Betty Jo Taylor

Betty Jo Taylor was born May 3, 1933, and died September 25, 2026, at the age of 93. A beloved and devoted presence in the lives of so many, Betty’s days were marked by the steady, life-giving care she poured into the people she loved. She resided in Glendale, Arizona.

Born and raised in Altus, Arkansas, Betty was the daughter of Jimmy and Sylvia Hyde, and one of seven children. From the beginning, she belonged to a big, lively circle—one that helped shape the deep family-centered devotion that would define her life.

As a teenager, Betty met her future husband, Doyal, in a story the family never tired of telling. Betty’s parents worked for Doyal’s parents, and one day he was sitting on a pile of hay, staring up at the clouds, when “an angel walked by.” After that, the rest was history. Betty and Doyal were married for 55 years, building a home rooted in love and lasting commitment. Together they raised four children: Paul, Debbie, David, and Angela.

Betty’s legacy lives on through five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was known affectionately as Grandma Betty and Grams, and she wore those names like a badge of honor—showing up with warmth, attention, and a heart that made each grandchild feel truly cherished.

Betty loved caring for her family. She did everything for them for as long as she could, giving in the quiet, constant ways that make a life feel safe and full. Her children were her garden, and she tended that garden with devotion—nurturing, protecting, and loving with a steady hand and an open heart.

In the kitchen, Betty was an amazing cook—even if she insisted she hated cooking. She became famous for her “Slop and Good Stuff,” a chocolate gravy lovingly renamed by her son Paul, and remembered with the kind of fond laughter that only a family favorite can bring.

And above all, her love had a voice—simple, bright, and unforgettable. She often said, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!” It’s a line that carries her spirit perfectly: generous, affectionate, and meant to be passed from one heart to another.

Betty will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered—held close in the stories told around tables, in the sweetness of family traditions, and in the enduring devotion she gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Association