Betty J. Henning

Betty Jane Henning entered into Heaven on March 3, 2015, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend to many. Betty passed away peacefully near her home in Scottsdale, surrounded by family and friends.

A native to Yuma, AZ, Betty was born to Harry and Merle Bickers on July 19, 1935 in Glendale, California. She spent her youth pursuing her interest in animal science through 4-H. As a young adult, she pursued a career in nursing and graduated from the nursing program at Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, AZ. Betty was always an advocate and a caretaker for those in need; she spent 40yrs as an orthopedic RN at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. She held leadership roles in her profession, serving as Vice President of the Orthopedic Nurses Association and was an active member of their Board of Directors. She was Chair of the American Nurses Association, Arizona Chapter and member of the state Medical-Surgical Committee. Sharing her knowledge was a joy for her.

In her retirement, Betty availed herself to others in need through volunteerism and was an advocate for those diagnosed with breast cancer, through “Reach to Recovery”. She maintained an active role through her church providing meals to those in need with Shepard’s Warehouse and with her church Alter Guild. She was a consummate homemaker, cook, baker, Mother and Wife.

When Betty was not donating her time to a worthy cause, her favorite pastime was traveling across the United States to spend time with friends and family and enjoying the great outdoors. She would not pass up the opportunity to spend an afternoon relaxing with fishing pole in hand.

Betty is survived by her caring husband Dennis (Henning) of 47 years, and her four children Martin Churchfield (Jennifer), Elizabeth Minchew (Carl), Kelly Churchfield (Abby), Catherine Pensak, Step Daughter Paula Pridgeon (Steve) and her 14 grandchildren. Hana, Sara and Sam (Damore), Max, Ali and Brynn (Churchfield), Noah (Pensak), Jason and Cameron (Churchfield), Liam and Logan (Pridgeon), Adam, Hannah and Molly (Minchew), sister Harriet Connor (Bill) and her dear life-long friend - end of life caretaker Bev Olson.

A viewing will be held at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N. Hayden Road, from 6:00-8:00 PM; Celebration of Life services honoring Betty will be held Saturday March 7th @ Abiding Savior Lutheran Church,515 E. Continental Dr. Tempe, AZ @ 2:00 PM, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Reach to Recovery Program (602) 224-7479 through the American Cancer Society.