Betty Love (Kessinger) Easley

Betty L. Easley passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 13, 2023.

Betty was born at her family's farm near Carlinville, Illinois, on April 29, 1926, to parents Fred and Pearl Kessinger. After receiving a two-year degree from Blackburn College, she taught for three years in a local one-room schoolhouse. This began a lifelong pursuit of teaching and caring for children. In 1949 Betty and her best friend quit their jobs and left Carlinville to visit Albuquerque, NM, where she met her future husband, Vernon Easley. They were married on October 8, 1950, and recently celebrated their 72nd anniversary. After short job assignments in Deming, NM, and Fort Worth, TX, Betty and Vernon settled permanently in their home on the open mesa of the northeast heights of Albuquerque, where they watched the city grow up around them. Here they provided a wonderful home life for their three daughters.

In addition to being a devoted mother, Betty went to night school at UNM and earned a BS in Elementary Education and an MA in Special Education. She then worked 8 years with special needs children before taking a job with Albuquerque Public Schools as a reading teacher. She retired from that job after 22 years and became a certified reading diagnostician. During her teaching and retirement years, she became active in ADK, a teacher service organization that she enjoyed for over 25 years. Betty was also a dedicated member of St. John's United Methodist Church, which the family joined in 1958. There she became a permanent volunteer in the children's education area, working in the children's Sunday school until the age of 93. One of her great life joys was being a grandmother. She was always happy to make herself available to spend time with her grandchildren, attend their activities, or babysit. She especially enjoyed sharing her joy of reading with them.

After retirement, Betty and Vernon also turned their attention to caring for elderly family, friends, and neighbors. Their selfless service to others was an inspiration. In 2015 they sold the family home of 52 years and moved into La Vida Llena Retirement Center and enjoyed the community there.

Betty was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She devoted her life to taking care of her family and helping others. One of the grandchildren wrote about her in a school essay, "When we spend time together, she shares her love with me and makes me feel like I am important." Betty's unconditional love was the glue that bound her family together, and she encouraged and inspired others to be their best.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Wilson, Barbara Spates (Jim), and Sara Perovich (Bob); as well as 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Services will take place January 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona N.E., Albuquerque, NM, 87110. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. John's United Methodist Church. Designate donation for the Children's Ministry in memory of Betty Easley.

Betty's husband, Vernon O. Easley, was born December 29, 1923, and passed away on January 23, 2023. His Memorial Service will be planned for a later date. A visitation for both Betty and Vernon will be held on January 27, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at FRENCH- Lomas, 10500 Lomas Blvd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87112.