Betty Jean Simpson

Betty was born January 27, 1930 in Hinton, West Virginia to Rheo and Floye Boone Meador. She married Norman Emmett Simpson on December 29, 1950. In 1963 after living in Virginia, Maryland, and New York, they moved their family to West Valley City, Utah. They raised their children there and created a home filled with love, collections, treasures, and cherished memories. Betty loved her home and yard and never tired of looking at the mountains.

Betty graduated from Hinton High School in 1947 and St. Mary’s School of nursing in 1950. During World War II she volunteered as a Red Cross “Donut Dolly” helping to serve coffee and donuts to soldiers’ as their trains carried them off to training and war. She was a compassionate, conscientious, and dedicated nurse. She loved her career. She retired from nursing in 1992.

Betty is survived by her children, Kimberly (Richard) Larsen, David (Vicky) Simpson, Bethany (Rex) Johnson, Jennifer (Jim) Cornaby, Rebecca (Tyler) Cundall; one sister, Joyce (Davis) Ritter; nephew, Jay (Joann) Martufi; 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Norman, her beloved son Philip, grandson Zachary Larsen, her parents, brothers Bob and Harry, and sister Wilma.

Betty loved everything that glittered, shined and sparkled. She loved every colorful thing, every piece of art, dish or glassware, jewelry, fancy hats, scarves, poetry, classical music and every book. She owned more books than some libraries. She found beauty in, and purpose for, everything she touched. She loved learning and always had a pen, pencil, book or paintbrush in her hand. She was a prolific artist who picked up a paintbrush in 1978 and fell in love with sketching, watercolors, oils and china painting. She created thousands of masterpieces.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, with the Reverend Olga Hard officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment in Valley View Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Shriners’ Hospitals For Children, of Salt Lake City, Utah, Fairfax Road at Virginia Street, 84103. (801) 536-3500

Arrangements under the direction of Valley View Memorial Park & Funeral Home, West Valley City, UT.