Betty Marie (Whitted) Garth

Born:
Long Island, Kansas – February 10, 1936

Education/Graduation:
Betty attended Platteville High School. Immediately after graduation, she enrolled in college, but she left to start a family after meeting Samuel Garth. Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, she returned to college in 1994 at the age of 58 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from UNC in 1998.

Career/Retirement:
Betty devoted much of her life to raising her six children, who were born approximately two to five years apart. For about 20 years, she lovingly cared for her ailing husband. After his passing, she cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, spending her remaining years joyfully pursuing her interests and passions.

Marriage/Family:
On July 3, 1956, Betty married Samuel Calvin Garth (deceased), and they shared nearly 50 years of marriage.

Hobbies/Interests:
Betty had a passion for writing and penned many short stories throughout her life. She was an avid reader and a devoted movie fan—she even watched the "Harry Potter" series more times than anyone could imagine. Her love for nature was evident in her admiration for cows, elephants, trees, and flowers. Additionally, she practiced Tai Chi twice a week for many years until circumstances prevented her from continuing. Above all, Betty treasured her time spent with family.

Surviving and Preceding Family Members:
Betty is survived by her brother Loyal Whitted, her six children—Daniel Garth, Melony (Garth) Sawyer, Starmond Garth, and Timothy Garth—and 16 grandchildren along with 24 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Norm Whitted (deceased), and by her children Bob (Robert) Garth (deceased) and Curtis Garth (deceased).

Memorial Contributions:
In honor of Betty’s love of flowers, you may send floral tributes. Donations in her memory are also welcome and can be made at https://savetheelephants.org/donate-page-us/ .

Betty Marie (Whitted) Garth

Betty was born in Long Island, Kansas, to two wonderful parents. As the eldest of three children, she grew up in Platteville, Colorado, and was proud to call herself a farm girl. On July 3, 1956, she married Samuel Calvin Garth.

Betty spent nearly her entire life in Colorado, raising six children while dedicating herself to writing and caring for her home. She felt privileged to stay at home and nurture her family—a role she believed was often underestimated. She recalled watching mothers in the 1970s go to work and feeling sorrow for their children, grateful that her own children always had her at home when they returned from school.

After her children had grown, Betty devoted 20 years to caring for her husband until his passing. Later, she lived with her daughter Melony for a few years before moving in with her son Starmond and his family, where she resided for the final 17 years of her life.

Betty maintained her cheerful spirit even during the darkest times, always greeting life with a smile. Her positive outlook and love for life were evident to everyone who knew her. Betty fought bravely to remain with us, and though her passing leaves a profound void, her legacy endures in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in the countless memories shared by family and friends.

Betty will be dearly missed, but her memory and the legacy she built will continue to inspire and live on for generations.

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