Born on October 2, 1938 at Newport, Ark, Betty was the daughter of Emerald and Oma Rigg. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Stark, her parents; and her sister Merry Lou Wortman McKissack.
She leaves behind her children Kathy (Steve) Hopper of Hot Springs, Ark and David (Betsy) Stark of Knoxville, Tenn. Her grandchildren Hayley (Drew) Pugh of Nixa, MO, Rebekah (Nathan) Ball of Conway, AR, Melissa (Kyle) Bogard of Cotter, AR, Rachel (Brent) Coney of Bryant, AR, Madeline (Michael) Tarlington of San Antonio, Tex, Phoebe Stark of San Diego CA, Julia Stark of Franklin, TN, Charlotte Stark of Knoxville, and Emma Stark of Knoxville, as well as seven great grandchildren, beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Betty spent her early years growing up at the Grand Glaise, AR. This was a life on the White River that was rich with experiences and family. Her family moved later to Titusville, PA.
Betty graduated from Titusville High School in Titusville, PA, and went to college at Edinburgh College in Erie, PA, where she earned an Art Degree. Being so close to the Great Lake, Betty shared stories of being awoken by the sounds of snow plows and ice skating on ponds.
She fulfilled her childhood dream of being an art teacher and worked for decades with the Hot Springs School District. While there she was a founder of the Arkansas Young Artist Association. This organization allowed high school students to showcase their work and compete for honors. She believed that it is important to teach students art because it is a skill that can enrich their lives forever.
Betty returned to college graduating at Henderson State University with a Master’s degree in Art. She served as a docent at the National Gallery in Washington, DC, and became an Educational Specialist with the Arkansas Department of Education.
Upon the birth of her grandchildren she retired to become, along with Norman, significant influences in their grandchildren’s lives. Nana’s refrigerator and pantry were always full. There was also a well-stocked art studio, and a flower garden.
Betty was a charter member of Hot Springs Baptist Church and was a leader in that community. Her faith was important to her, she was a scholar of the bible and wrote a novel about Jesus’ mother Mary.
Services will be held at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights Lane in Hot Springs. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. May 11.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 12 with Pastor Manley Beasley officiating.
Betty will be interned at Memorial Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark
Pallbearers will be Terry Womack, Bo Griffin, Miles Hipp, Tom Hipp, Sam Hipp, Drew Pugh, Nathan Ball, Brent Coney and Kyle Bogard
Thank you to the staff at West Shores for the loving care they bestowed on Betty.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grossfuneralhome.com for the Stark family.
