Betty was born on April 19, 1928 in Ava, Missouri, the daughter of Sammuel and Effie (McClain) Heard. Betty entered into the arms of her Lord on Saturday, August 1, 2009.
Betty and her family moved to Shenandoah when she was 2 years old. She attended school in Shenandoah and graduated with the Class of 1946. In high school, Betty was active in many clubs; she was a member of choir, girl reserves, and was a cheerleader. She was also the leader of the first Drill Team, a member of Rainbow Girls, receiving the Grand Cross of Color when she reached her majority.
She began work for Northwestern Bell as a switchboard operator just before she graduated from high school and worked there until she was married. On August 17, 1947 Betty was united in marriage to Maurice Hoxie. They traveled to several states with his work for the Weather Bureau, until they returned home to Shenandoah in 1950, so Maurice could begin farming. During the years of 1967-1981, Betty was employed as a secretary for DeKalb Ag Research. Betty and Maurice enjoyed 61 years together, celebrating their Golden Anniversary in 1997.
Betty was a long time member of the United Methodist Church and served as a Bible School and Sunday School teacher. She and Maurice were the adult leaders of the High School MYF group for several years. She was very proud to have been awarded a service pin by the United Methodist Women and enjoyed singing in the church choir. She was also a member of the Shenandoah Hospital Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Shenandoah and Fremont County Historical Societies.
At home she enjoyed cooking and baking, especially making cookies and fruitcakes for friends at Christmas. Many of her friends thought her fruitcakes were the best they had ever tasted. She enjoyed her grandchildren; David, Nathan, Sarah and Rachel. She and Maurice tried to be present at all of their school and church functions. Betty also loved the years they spent at their winter home in Texas. She served as the MC for the yearly quilt show and enjoyed singing in the park church.
Those preceding her in death include her parents and siblings; Verlin, Coy and Ivyl Heard and Dorothy Carpenter.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Maurice; son Kent; daughter Judy Lorimor and husband Gary; grandchildren David Lorimor and wife Audra, Nathan Lorimor, Sarah Lorimor and Rachel Beaudoin and husband Christopher; great-grandsons William and John Lorimor; other relatives and dear friends.
Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church or the Betty Hoxie Memorial Fund.