Betty Belford, a resident of Grande Prairie, AB passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the Grande Prairie Care Centre at the age of 95.

Though Betty was raised on a farm in Crooked Creek, AB, this wonderful woman was born on April 3, 1929 in Seattle, WA during a family trip. This is likely where her undeniable sense of adventure first took hold.

Betty was a hardworking gal from an early age as the eldest of eleven children. As a young woman, she worked various jobs, including on the nearby Belford farm. This is where she would fall in love with her soulmate Thomas Belford.

Initially, Betty wasn’t aware of the large age gap of twenty-five years between her and Tom and bolted to Calgary when she found out. However, it was too late and Tom was so sure they were destined to be together that he tracked her down to try and convince her to return to the Peace Country with him. Of course, Betty was already so infatuated with him that it didn’t take much convincing. They were soon wed and had three children on their farm in Debolt.

Betty had an incredible thirst for laughter and fun. She loved singing, dancing, gardening, cooking, reading, and going on all the adventures she could. Having grown up in the horse and buggy era, she was amazed at the freedom motorized vehicles provided and loved to drive and take her family on long road trips.

When the new library in Grande Prairie opened, no one was more excited than Betty and she visited weekly for decades. She loved good stories, whether reading one, listening to others tell theirs, or telling one herself.

Betty was a devoted member of the Royal Purple (Elks) and the Ladies Auxiliary (Legion). She was also a CGIT leader, a member of the Sweet Adelines singing group and Toastmasters for many years. She did a lot of important work for her community. Beyond that, she dedicated herself to her family, friends, and beloved neighbours in every possible way. She was generous with everything she had, down to her sense of humour and infectious laugh. Betty will be remembered for her compassion, joy, insight and unwaveringly strong will. When a bee was in her bonnet, everyone knew she would make it happen.

After Tom’s passing, Betty remarried to the late Bill Honeysett. Their families embraced this union wholeheartedly and Betty loved and was loved by Bill’s children, and many adoring grandchildren.

Betty was loved and appreciated by her late husband Tom Belford, as well as her late children, Barbara Belford, and Thomas Belford.

Betty will be dearly missed by her son George Belford; former-but-forever daughter-in-law Helen Bennett; grandchildren: Scott (Taylor) Belford, Brett Belford, Chett Belford and Clare Belford; the Honeysett family; as well as the community of Grande Prairie and an incalculable number of people whose lives were touched by the tremendous spirit of Betty Belford.

A Celebration of Life with a Luncheon to follow will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave.) Grande Prairie, AB.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army Community and Family Services (salvationarmygp.ca) in Grande Prairie, AB.