Betty Jane Huntley Beard
January 9, 1928 ~ July 27, 2023
Born in:
Buncombe County, NC
Resided in:
Longmont, CO
Betty Jane Huntley Beard, 95, of Longmont CO, went to her heavenly home July 27, 2023.
Betty was born January 9, 1928, to the late David and Nancy Huntley in Buncombe County NC. She grew up in a house at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview NC where her father was farm manager and a local Baptist preacher. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1946, as class valedictorian, and later from Cecil’s Business College in Asheville NC.
After school Betty became secretary to James McClure, President of the Farmer’s Federation Cooperative in Asheville, where she also enjoyed singing and playing guitar at Federation picnics around western North Carolina and occasionally performing at business meetings in New York City. It was also at the Federation in 1952 that Betty met a young Princeton graduate, Robert Gruber Beard (Bob), who had come down to Asheville for a job interview but was to become the love of her life.
She and Bob were married in Asheville in 1954, and went on to have two children, Barbara Ann Hansen, and William Huntley Beard (Bill).
Betty lived her faith, putting God, family, and the needs of others before her own. She taught her children the importance of education as well as the dignity of manual labor. Towards the end in a memory care facility, she blessed the other residents, caregivers, and hospice providers with her special kindness and charm.
She attended First Presbyterian Church in Asheville where she was a member of the choir, taught Sunday school and was active in church circle groups. She was a Girl Scout leader and member of the P.E.O. sisterhood.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Bob; daughter Barbara Ann; brothers Otis, Duane, and Francis Huntley; and sister Evelyn Jordan. She is survived by her son Bill and his wife Lucy, son-in-law Ward Hansen, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held on August 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Cane Creek Baptist Church in Lake Lure NC, preceded by a visitation from 10 – 11 am. Burial will follow in the Church’s cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Folds of Honor in support of our military veterans and their families.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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TO THE FAMILY OF MRS. ROBERT G. BEARD: JUST WANTED TO SEND YOU ALL THIS SHORT NOTE TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT YOU ALL ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS & IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY & ESPECIALLY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS & KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING CARE. I AM A MEMBER OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ASHEVILLE & HAVE KNOWN THE FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS.
LOVE IN CHRIST,
JEAN SHEAROUSE
You were always so sweet and thoughtful to us when you visited Colorado. We always loved your smile and obvious love. I know you will be missed by so many people. Beth and Buddy Walker
No dearer, kinder Christian soul ever walked this earth. Love and condolences to her family
Billy, sending my deepest condolences to your family. May your grief be lessened by all the wonderful memories of your mom, dad and sister. Take care.
visited with her often in Asheville. I will always have fond memories of her and that laugh. May God bless you
at this difficult time. My mother, Katherine Huntley Allison, was Betty’s cousin.
Billy-
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
She was so special to me and loved our years of scouting.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and family – So sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She obviously was a classy lady as your late dad was a fine man whom I admired very much. My condolences during this difficult time.
Love Zach and Whitney