Betty Jean Burnett

Betty Jean Williams Burnett died on August 30, 2021, at 89 years of age, after a brief illness. She was born in Itasca, TX, on April 16, 1932, to parents Grace Gardner Williams and James Wallace Williams.

Betty is survived by son Brian Burnett, daughter-in-law Celia Morrow Burnett, daughters Laurel Burnett and Ardyce Burnett. Betty was a devoted Grandmother “Marmee-B” to Rachel Brunton and Brandon Burnett. She was an encouraging step-Grandmother to Kelsey and Russell Sensenig. She was delighted to see her granddaughter marry Tom Brunton on 07-07-07. Betty experienced great joy at being able to meet her great-grandchildren Kyle, Liesl and Malcolm Brunton and watch them grow to ages 10, 7, and 4, respectively. Betty is survived by niece Pam Simpson Worley, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66-years, Harold Morris Burnett, her parents and her sister Nettie Anne Simpson.

Betty had an avid interest in genealogy and researched the Torian and Williams Family heritage. She did a majority of this work years before personal computers and genealogy software were available. She took great pleasure in writing letters to request information about family history. Betty loved attending reunions with the Burnett-Vincent-Curtis side of the family over many decades. Betty maintained connections with lifelong childhood friends. She valued relationships of “Friends as Family,” with Nancy and Dick Warnes (Betty and Harold met them in Los Alamos in 1958), Clark and Peg Morrow (Celia’s brother and sister-in-law), Air Force Colonel (Ret) Jan Rauker (Betty and Harold met Jan in 1985 when she was stationed with Laurel at Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium).

Betty’s life was profoundly affected by the death of her father, when she was five years old. In the last week of her life, when talking about the reunion she would experience in Heaven, she smiled and exclaimed, “I’ll get to see MY Daddy!”

Betty was a devoted student at all levels and she remained committed to the philosophy of “lifelong learning.” In her senior year of high school in Itasca, she served as Class President and delivered the valedictorian address. She attended a women’s college in Texas for one year, and worked in the cafeteria to help with school expenses. Betty was accepted into the University of Texas in Austin. Throughout the decades of her life, she often affirmed, “it was a dream come true,” to attend school at UT-Austin. Betty’s time at the University of Texas was a milestone life event, since she met fellow UT student and future-husband Harold. They got married on May 22, 1953 and decades later, celebrated 66-years of marriage. Betty graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree on May 30, 1953. Betty often said, May 1953 was a “best ever” month.

Betty had a rewarding professional career as a special librarian, working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for many years. She participated in the Special Libraries Association throughout her career and remained devoted to her love of reading, research, favorite quotes, and finding just the right word to share in conversation or to write in a letter.

Betty was very proud of her role as a military spouse for the six-years that Harold was on active duty in the Air Force and his service time as a Reservist. She was interested in and supportive of the professional careers her husband had over many decades. She participated in various events related to his work as a graduate student, meteorologist, chemist, and bookstore owner. For example, they went to reunion gatherings of Air Force meteorologists, participated in a wide range of events at Kirtland Air Force Base, joined the LA Lunch Bunch and Penn State Alumni groups, and attended American Bookseller Association conventions.

Betty lived with Harold in Los Alamos, NM, for 34 years. Betty was a devoted Mom and spouse. There are no more words needed to describe those important roles, as she “lived them out, in daily love, encouragement and support.”

Throughout her life, a strong Faith and participation in church community served as an enduring foundation. During her “growing-up years,” Betty attended the First Methodist Church in Itasca, TX, with her family. She met Harold at the Baptist Student Union mixer at the University of Texas. Betty and her family were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Los Alamos, NM. She participated in many church events, such as: women’s Bible Study groups, she taught Sunday School classes, cooked for family potlucks, served as a Stephen Minister, and participated in a Walk to Emmaus retreat.

Throughout her adulthood, Betty served as a volunteer within the local community. Her activities included service as a Girl Scout Leader, she assisted the League of Women Voters with the annual Voter’s Guide, hosted exhibits and education fairs for Heifer International, prepared fresh snacks for meetings of SouthWest Writers, and participated in many more events by “pitching in and lending a helping hand.”

In October 2018, Betty’s life was profoundly affected when her husband Harold was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As he bravely faced the changes in his health and the impact on daily lifestyle, the love and support from Betty were anchors. When Harold died of covid on April 21, 2020, Betty was living in Assisted Living. Due to covid pandemic safety rules, she was unable to see family and friends. Betty’s faith as a “daily foundation” allowed her to continue to find joyful moments in daily life and in telephone conversations during months of isolation

The Burnett Family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff of La Vida Llena Life Plan Community for the devoted care they provided to Betty while she lived in Assisted Living for several years. La Vida Llena was home for Harold and Betty for ten years and they valued meeting so many people from diverse walks of life. They especially enjoyed the delight of “small world stories,” after learning about shared events or situations where their paths had crossed.

Throughout her life, Betty was a devoted Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Family Relative, Colleague, Volunteer, Friend and Correspondent.

In remembrance of Betty’s life, please mail a handwritten note or letter to someone special.

A service will take place at a future date at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Family members rejoice in B etty’s abundant life and are grateful she is in her Heavenly Home.