Bettye Clarinda (Burke) Blakley

(BETTYE) CLARINDA BURKE BLAKLEY

January 29, 1927 – February 20, 2018

Bettye Clarinda Burke was the first child born to Clarkson and Lorinda (Pappy and Granny) Burke on January 29, 1927 in Idalou, Texas. She grew up in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, just East of Dora. She had two sisters, Patsy (Rodgers) and Elsie (Hayes), and a little brother Donald who died at an early age. She graduated from Dora High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University, before marrying Delbert Blakley in Farwell, Texas. She and Delbert had three children, Larry, Rita, and in 1953 moved to Albuquerque where Gary was born. They lived in the south valley of Albuquerque most of her life, and always busy with different businesses that Delbert initiated. They had a feed store/hay lot, gas station, chicken farm, dairy, farm in Floyd NM, horse stables, trucking company, hog farm, among other endeavors. Clarinda was by Delbert’s side, always helping and keeping all the records and books for each business, plus running a home and family. She was a beautiful, sweet mother to Larry, Gary, and Rita, and was involved in each of their activities. She was a special Mom, Nanny, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor to all who knew her, and her sweet precious nature will be greatly missed.

Clarinda is survived by: son Larry and Barbara of Albuquerque and their daughters Davedda and Danette and families; Rita Bickham of Portales NM and her children Cindy and Michael and families; Gary and Patti Blakley in Del Norte, CO and sons and families. She is survived by her grandchildren: Cindy Johnson and her son Noah in Raton NM; Davedda and Chris Marshall and their sons Connor and Colby in The Woodlands, TX; Michael and Debra Johnson and children Baylee and Jarret in Clovis, NM; Danette and Justin Edgar and children Jed, Blakley, Jadyn, Judson, and Deacon in Albuquerque; Greg and Elizabeth Blakley and children Kaelin and Jack in Bellingham WA, and Brandon Blakley in Bellingham WA. She is survived by her sweet sisters, Pat Rodgers and Elsie Hayes and their families. She is also survived by many relatives and special friends who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Delbert, her parents Pappy and Granny Burke, brother Donald, and brothers-in-law Jim Rodgers and Bob Hayes, along with son-in-law Larry Bickham.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at City Presbyterian Church, 210 Truman St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

In lieu of flowers donation to City Presbyterian Church 210 Truman St NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 or Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice.