of Conway, AR
March 10, 1932 - February 10, 2024
Catherine Elizabeth (Betsy) Gary was born to John and Mary Rumker on March 10, 1932 in Conway, Arkansas. She passed away on February 10, 2024 after a very sudden decline in her health. Betsy was 91 years old.
Betsy was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, George and Andy Rumker and her husband, Joe Gary, who died in 2009. They were married 55 years.
Although she worked at many jobs, Betsy said her greatest job in life was being a mother. She will be forever cherished and remembered by her three children, Robert Gary of Conway, Cheryl Baker (Glenn) of South Carolina and A.J. Gary (Kim) of Vilonia. Her grandchildren, Laci (Chad) Roller of Vilonia, Blake (Morgan) Gary of Conway, Samantha (Justin) St.John of Saginaw, Texas and Christopher (Leanne) Northcutt of South Carolina. Great-grandchildren, Declan Northcutt, Daelan Northcutt, Harper Roller, Hadlee Roller, Hayes Roller and Parker St. John.
As well as her brother, Robert W. Rumker of Kansas City, Missouri. Her memory will also live on with her nieces and nephews at the yearly family reunions.
Betsy was a private and quiet person yet, she loved to laugh. She often shared stories of a fabulous childhood growing up in Conway. A close time she came to getting a whipping, she told, was when she waded a creek in her new church dress catching crawdads. As well, she disclosed family adventures as a young woman living in Missouri and a young wife and mother living in California
She was most loyal to her family and friends. She was also strong-willed. That was who she was and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life's challenges. Her friends knew they could always turn to her for wisdom and advice.
A woman of faith, she was a devout Catholic-a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway. Through the years, she worked at a variety of jobs, including on military installations in California. There was only one that she couldn't handle-the one where she was assigned to work with the remains of deceased soldiers. While an honor, she said, she just couldn't handle the pain.
She was more cut out, she said, to work with clothing. She retired from J.C. Penney in Conway in 1994.
She lived her life with respect for everyone-especially veterans. She served for seven years on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Veterans and Military History in Vilonia-retiring only last month due to her health.
She was a talented seamstress, an avid reader and loved to work in the yard and garden. And, the fruits of her garden and kitchen often went to her friends and neighbors. She was known for her canned bread and butter pickles, grape pies and fudge. Her fudge was sought after and brought premium bids at many museum auctions. She also decided to take art lessons in her late 80s and enjoyed creating scenes from photos that she had taken from her and Joe's early travels.
ln lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the St. Joseph School Endowment at 1315 College Ave., Conway, AR 72034 or the Museum of Veterans at P.O. Box 668, Vilonia, Arkansas 72173, located at 53 N. Mt. Olive. Betsy's family wishes to thank Heritage Living Center, Conway Regional and Gentiva Hospice Conway for the care they gave during the heartbreaking last days of Betsy's amazing life. Also, a special thanks goes to the Liberty Fire Department during that time for their rapid responses.
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15 Condolence(s)
Linda Lock
Monday, February 19, 2024
I will miss talking to you before 8:00 Mass. The pew looks so empty without you. You were a wonderful woman will miss you very much
Mara Williams
Saturday, February 17, 2024
A.J, Kim, and family,
May God grant you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. You are in our prayers now and the days ahead.
Love,
Mara, Sawyer, Hampton, Bennett and Caroline
Jim Richardson
Friday, February 16, 2024
I was introduced to Ms Besty by a mutal friend a few years back when she was in need of some mowing done. She was the one of the nicest and friendlest ladies. She even made me my first persimmon bread. I always enjoyed visiting with her and she always like to fill me in on her kids . She loved her family. You will be missed Ms Betsy. Prayers for her family.
Marcus Christian Devine
Friday, February 16, 2024
AJ,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. My Prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Marcus Devine
Jackie Harrell
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Betsy was a very sweet lady and I have lots of memories of our times working together at JC Penney in Conway. Much love and prayers for all the family at this time. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen
LaTresha Woodruff
Thursday, February 15, 2024
AJ, we offer our deepest condolences. May God wrap you in your family in comfort and give you peace that surpasses all understanding. I love you my friend.
LaTresha Woodruff & Ricco Johnson
Bob Barham
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
My sincere sympathy to AJ and family. Betsy was a dear friend to my mother for years. Prayers for comfort and Peace.
Wanda Cook
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Michael Kirkland
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
So sad to find out about the passing of Aunt Betsy. It was always so nice when I got to talk with her
Carol Stroud
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Betsy and I met while working on a project at the Museum of Veterans and Military History and I have great memories of the time I spent with her on that project. I am praying that Betsy's family will find peace and comfort in their memories of this amazing woman.
Paul and Linda Hicks
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Betsy, we are filled with emotions. Happy for you. Sad for the ones you left behind. Driving in, the neighborhood and looking over at your chair on the front porch, it is empty. But, are hearts are full with the memories you left behind. Respect.
Karen Hutchens
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
We are so sorry to learn about the loss of your mother. She sounds amazing.
Prayers for your family.
Mike gibbs
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
So sorry for the family’s loss .
Jacqueline Kordsmeier
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Betsy was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed. She was our kitchen helper for many years at the St. Joseph Senior Saints. I will miss seeing her each Sunday morning at 8am in 'her pew'. Thank you for being part of my life, may you rest in peace.
Danny Moody
Monday, February 12, 2024
Ms “Betsy” You were loved by all who knew you. You were such a kind soul and such a pleasure to be around and talk with. You will be missed by many. Now you’re resting high on that mountain my friend.