Betty J. "Bj" Martin

Betty was born February 11, 1925 to William and Ethelyn (Evans) Crawford and sister Carol. Betty was an energetic child that loved spending time at her grandmother's farm and going on fishing trips with her family. Betty attended grade school at Franklin Elementary, and high school at Argentine High School.

After high school, she married Fred (Herb) Martin. They had a beautiful daughter, Marilynn Ann, in 1945. Herb and Betty's young love struggles resulted in divorce. In 1946 Betty met LeRoy C Roberts and they were married in August of that year. Betty and LeRoy together had 4 sons, William LeRoy, Dennis LeRoy, Robert William and Steven Wayne and 2 daughters Virginia Roselee and Ethelyn Elizabeth. The family loved going to the lake each summer and on holidays. The family also enjoyed singing together and especially at Christmas when they would call other family members and sing carols over the phone.

Leroy passed away in 1969, and Betty was left to raise her 2 younger sons and younger daughter. Betty did upholstery to help provide for her family. In 1970 Betty received a phone call from her first husband, Fred (Herb) Martin. Both Betty's and Herb's spouses had passed away. They fell in love again and were married in December 1970. They enjoyed their reunited love and raised 3 sons and 1 daughter. They loved the lake, going out to dinner, going to church, and most of all family gatherings. Herb passed away in April of 1979 leaving Betty to once again provide for her family. Betty worked at various jobs to take care of her children. She finally went to work at KU Hospital's Dykes Library. She enjoyed working there and loved her job. She retired from KU at the age of 80.

Betty joined Order of True Kindred, in which she held many offices, including Grand and Supreme. Through True Kindred she met many wonderful friends, including some wonderful Canadian friends who introduced her to Women's Masons. She was very proud of her Masonic service. Betty was a loving wife, mom, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great- grandmother who cherished her family. She was a very generous person and would give you anything you needed. She helped take care of loved ones many times when they needed her. Betty loved traveling with her True Kindred friends. She especially enjoyed her trip to Europe, Hawaii, and Canada.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents William and Ethelyn Crawford, husband LeRoy Roberts, husband Fred Herbert Martin, sons William LeRoy, Steven Wayne and son-in-law Billy Turnbull, sister Carol Hallaux and dear friend Bill Croom. Left to cherish her memory is Marilynn Turnbull, Virginia Seitter (husband Don), Dennis Roberts (wife Jennifer), Bill Roberts (wife Carol), Ethelyn (Beth) Davis (husband Scott), Michael Martin (wife Barbi), 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, her beloved pet Trouble and many friends and family.

Contributions in her honor to The American Cancer Society.