Betty is survived by her daughters Bobbie Jeanne Platt and Christie Anne (Brett) Nordby; four grandchildren Cody (Shannon), Sarah, Jessica and Rachael.
Betty was an elementary school educator for over 30 years. She received her Bachelor's (1957) and Master's (1974) Education degrees from the University of Arizona, and retired from the Tucson Unified School District in 2001.
Betty had three great loves throughout her long life: Robert (Bob) Hackensmith with whom she shared 25 years of marriage and two daughters. She was a military wife to Bob. The two were stationed together in Illinois, Texas, England, Tucson, Las Vegas, and finally back to Tucson where they set roots and Bob retired. Betty was an incredible country line dancer, sharing her love of dance with her second husband Bobby (Bob) Hamilton to whom she was married for 25 years. They spent 15 years performing in competitions together throughout the U.S. After Bob's passing, Betty reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Richard Burge. They spent the last 9 years of her life creating amazing memories.
Betty loved country music and attending concerts, especially Josh Turner whom she followed on tour through several states well into her 80’s. She also loved to travel from local trips in the U.S. and Hawaii, to the Caribbean and Australia. The amount of souvenir magnets she owned could fill multiple refrigerators.
She loved her family, career, playing games with friends, country music, and living life to the fullest. Betty will be greatly missed by family and all those who were lucky enough to call her their friend.
A graveside memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 10am to 11:00am at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ 85706.
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