Jane Hildebrand
I was only fortunate enough to meet Bettye once, but what an occasion! Her grandson, Wade was marrying my daughter, Janet. Bettye walked right up to me when I walked into the rehearsal dinner. She stuck out her hand, introduced herself and told me how amazing my daughter was. Naturally, I liked her immediately! Joking aside, that exchange told me everything I needed to know about Bettye- she was a woman who respected hard work & family values. She only commented on anyone or anything if she had something positive to say- That was why her enthusiasm over my daughter was so powerful. Bettye had a presence when she entered the room. It came partly because of her age, but mostly because of the respect everyone so obviously had for her. Bettye had a good life and raised her son to be a generous, kind person. Her grandson, Wade shares Bettye’s value system- he’s hard working, a good husband to Janet and father to his sons. Her example has set the bar for the generations to come. That is Bettye’s legacy, generations of Howles young people who work hard, take pride in their work, and are responsible citizens. Bettye Howles’ immortality will be all of the good examples she set for the young people coming up. No one could ask for more than that. Bettye, it was a privilege meeting you!
Jane O’Shaughnessy Hildebrand
