Betty Jo Curtis

Betty Jo Haggard Robinson passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 26, 2023. She was 93 years old.

She was born on January 15, 1930, in her Grandmother Allred's home, in Thatcher, Arizona. Her father was Walter Parley Haggard, son of David Erastus Haggard and Callie Catherine Cope. Her mother was Ruth Allred, daughter of Joseph Gilbert Allred and Elizabeth Allen.

She is survived by her children: Michael Merlvin Robinson (Bonnie), Gary Russell Robinson (Janice), Rahn Franklin Robinson (Gayle), Nancy Jo Lukert (Paul), Carol Darlene Stephenson (Andy), 28 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Merlvin Cleon Robinson, and all her brothers and sisters: Walter David Haggard, Jimmie Russell Haggard, Vida Haggard Thude, Velda Ruth Haggard, Richard Henry Haggard and Allen Adley Haggard.

Betty was raised on various farms and ranches in Arizona's Gila Valley. She learned to ride horses, herd cattle and drive farm machinery at an early age. Her father would brag about her horsemanship, abilities to handle farm machinery, her cooking, how neat she could keep a house and how pretty she was!

She graduated from eighth grade, Eden Elementary School and started Pima High School in 1944. She was elected vice president of the Freshman Class and president of her Sophomore Class.

The Haggard Families purchased farms and ranches in Laveen, Arizona and moved there in 1946. Betty attended Phoenix Union High School and graduated in 1948.

During this time, she met Merlvin Cleon Robinson. They were married on June 29, 1948. They worked and saved and eventually built their own home in Northeast Phoenix. They lived there 30 years raising their five children.

In 1960 Merlvin and Betty founded the Copper State Pest Control company, which provided a good living for many years.

In 1976 Merlvin and Betty built a new home in Laveen. Merlvin passed away 11 years later. Betty spent time visiting her children in various parts of the country, enjoying them and her grandchildren.

Betty loved to use her talents to help others. When she visited her children she made curtains, reupholstered furniture, sewed clothes and costumes for the kids, and even did home repairs. Betty will always be remembered for the many quilts and afghans she made and for baking the most delicious pies.

In 1998, Betty met Grant Bateman, serving at the Mesa Arizona Temple. They were married in 1999. He died April 6, 2001.

In 2004, Betty met Gordon Curtis. They were married on August 7, 2004. She also out-lived Gordon. She moved from his home and lived with her daughter Nancy.

For the remainder of her life, she lived with each of her five children, all of whom loved having her in their homes and enjoying her sweet company.

Betty was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in numerous Church callings and Temple work.

Her family misses her, beyond words. They are comforted in the knowledge that she has returned to her Heavenly Father and is with her husband and family.

Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the LDS Chapel located at 650 West Southern, Phoenix, Arizona 85041. Family and friends’ reception 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Memorial Service 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Interment will be at 2:00 PM at the Resthaven Park East Cemetery, 4310 East Southern, Phoenix, Arizona 85042.