Bette Jude (Burton) Hassler

Heaven gained an angel today. Bette “Jude” Burton Hassler (85) entered into her eternal life on Monday, January 17, 2022 at about noon. She was at her home surrounded by her family whom she loved and who loved her so very much.

Jude leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Jerry; her children, Cindy (Keith) Larkin; Ginger Huffstetler; Becky Hassler; Michael (Meghan) Hassler. Even more than being the best mother in the whole world, she was an exceptional Grandma. Her grandchildren are Joshua (Crystal), Jacob (Preslie) and BJ (Whitley) Huffstetler; Blake Larkin (Mariah); Claire and Alec Hassler. She also had an ever growing number of great-grandchildren!

Jude loved life and she was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She loved her big family, and they loved her. Born in Texarkana, Arkansas, she was the 9th child of 11 to Charles William and Frances Elaine Burton. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight of her siblings. She is a beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews all over the country.

Jude loved her Faith and her Church. She and Dad were beloved members of Christ the King Catholic Church for 64 years. She made sure to sit in the 3rd pew from the front every Saturday night to lead the Rosary at 5:30 and for Mass at 6:00 pm. The number one thing she looked forward to in retirement was to be able to go to daily Mass.

Jude loved working as a Surgical RN and was loved by the physicians she worked with as their private OBGYN Surgical Nurse for 27 years.

Jude loved her many friends and they so loved her. She was a special member of the Domino Sister’s Club. We’re not sure how much they actually played Dominos but they laughed, ate, and told lots of stories!

More than anything else, she loved living a big and full life. God was definitely at the center, and all of us were so grateful to be a part of her orbit. You will be so missed, Mom, but we have no doubt we now have our very own Angel.

We were so fortunate to be able to keep Mom at home. We thank Mercy Hospice, her caregivers Shari, Shelbi as well as Lianna from Home Instead for their loving support to Mom and to us. We also want to offer a very special word of gratitude to Nedra Perry Shultz, her nursing classmate, best friend, and neighbor of over 60 years who was there every morning at 5:00 to help care for her.

A Rosary and visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 19th. Visitation will be at 5:00 pm followed by Rosary at 6:00.

The Mass of Celebration for her life will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Thursday, January 20th at 10 am under the direction of Edward’s Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her 6 grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob, BJ, Blake, Claire and Alec.

With both of these gatherings, we ask that you please wear a mask in order to keep everyone as safe from Covid as possible.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to give a donation in Jude’s name to Christ the King Catholic Church or Mercy Hospice Fort Smith.

We love you, Mom!