Jerry Juhree Betty

LAS CRUCES- Jerry Juhree Betty, born October 16th, 1933 in Healdton, Oklahoma, earned her wings on November 3, 2023. She is preceded in death by her father Bill Lindsey, mother Opal Cummins, Step-Father Bill Cummins, and by her adoring husband Hal Townsend Betty. Jerry is survived by her children, Leslie (and Tad) Benda and Greg (and Rita) Betty. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Krystal (and Jason) Boyle, Clayton (and Casey) Berryman, Sean Betty, Ryan Betty, Kevin (and Chandler) Benda, and Alexis Benda, as well as her great grandchildren, Brody, Collin, Matthew and Emily Boyle, Hudson Berryman, and Blake Benda.

Jerry grew up in the small town of Jal, New Mexico. She was Drum Major of the Band at Jal High School, where she also played the saxophone. In the summer of 1950, she moved with her mother and step-father to Odessa, TX, where she then graduated from Odessa High School in 1951. She was a member of the National Honor Society. Jerry married her High School sweetheart, Hal Betty, on September 15th, 1951, and moved to Interlaken, New York, where he was stationed at Sampson Air Force Base. She got her first job at Cornell University where she worked in the library. They lived there almost a year before Hal got orders to go to Japan during the Korean War. When Hal left for Japan, Jerry moved back to Jal, NM, where they would both remain until 1992. They were blessed with their daughter, Leslie, in 1957, and their son, Greg, in 1959. Jerry returned to work in 1965 as Secretary to the new Burke Junior High School in Jal. She then became Secretary of Jal High School in 1973, and then in 1983, she became Business Manager of Jal Schools. She retired in 1988, after 25 years of service to Jal Public Schools.

Hal and Jerry retired to Ruidoso, NM in 1992. They became members of Cree Meadows Country Club, and loved their extended “Cree Family”. Jerry served as President of the Ladies Golf Association. They were also very active members of First Presbyterian Church of Ruidoso. Jerry was an active member of Ladies Border Golf and played in numerous tournaments around the state of New Mexico with her friends. She spent the last 11 years of her life caring for her beloved husband, Hal Betty, until he passed on April 6th, 2022. Due to Hal’s health issues, they moved to Las Cruces, NM in 2015 to be near their daughter.

Jerry loved Jesus, her husband, adored her family and friends, and golf was her passion. She was very hands-on with all of her grandchildren, who knew her as “Mimi”, teaching them how to type on her typewriter, how to play golf, sharing her love for cards & games, and exploring, all while instilling in them the importance of quality time with loved ones. She adored her great grandies, and was so loved by each of them. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her dear friends at “The Club”. She had a contagious laugh, a smile that brightened every room, and was at her best when entertaining, whether it be for family, friends, or complete strangers. Jerry also dearly loved her career with Jal Schools, and her association with all of her students over the years, many of whom she kept in touch throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jerry on December 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Ruidoso, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Ruidoso, NM or to Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM.