Took a while to find this. Rocking Sounds 1972, 1973  or 1974. Bella Vista Country Club. I'm the only one with my head down. 

I was privileged in the late 70's to have Betty as my choir director at First Christian Church in Rogers. I was in the adult choir before I was an adult. I loved her energy and enthusiasm. I was also, briefly, one of the guitar players in Rocking Sounds. I wonder if Kevin might have made her ask me?  I was shy in high school, but loved band and music. She helped so much when I needed a mentor!

My favorite memory of Aunt Betty is the Christmas she and Howard and uncle Wayne and Francis came to our house. She played the piano while we sang Christmas carols.

Love this lady, you will be so missed.... Nita Deen

A year without my favorite teacher and mentor.  Happy 1st Heavenly Birthday.


I was fortunate to have Betty Sutton as my Aunt. She was vivacious and dedicated to her students. My mother often said I resembled Betty, and would call me Betty for days after we visited. She and Uncle Howard loved to travel everywhere after Howard’s retirement. She suffered the loss of her youngest son, Kevin. Despite her grief, she continued to live for her students and refused to let that terrible loss define her. I loved her deeply. She supported me all of my life, bringing joy to my life and helped my mother cope with the death of my brother and the birth of my autistic brother. I know Heaven is a happier place because she brought joy wherever she went. Her son, Tom and I share a special relationship because of her. She was a beautiful soul and I will always remember her fun personality and love for her son and her grand girls, Kyra and Leah. 

Mrs. Sutton was my piano teacher growing up and I also took “disco” dance lessons from Kevin, it was so much fun!  I saw her a few years ago and was so surprised when she recognized me! A beautiful, kind soul.  I’m so sorry for your loss. Brenda Wyatt

I became a student of Betty when I was an elementary age child and continued taking lessons until I became a young adult when I then worked at the studio teaching beginner group classes and individual lessons. I remember the very first time I came into the studio to wait while my friend Jill was in her group lesson. I sat in the room marveling at this teacher I saw- her energy, enthusiasm for the music, her encouragement of each student! It was a very innovative place. I decided I wanted to take lessons from her too! For years Jill and I took partner lessons every week. I was always excited to see what new music Betty would have picked out just for me. And because I had such a good teacher, I always had no trouble wanting to practice at home. The studio became a magical fun place that felt safe growing up. What a wonderful experience she provided for so many children and adults over the years. She was truly a beautiful soul and a treasure for the city of Rogers. ❤️

It's hard to capture in words Betty Sutton's talents and work ethic that touched thousands of people. When we are young we cannot have the perspective that aging gives us. When I look back on Betty's  talents they were enormous. When I attended high school (if memory serves) she had over half the student body involved in one or more of her choral programs.  I was lucky enough to be in several of those in school choruses as well as the Rocking Sounds.  She took kids with a little talent and not much exposure to music and turned them into high performing choral groups. She knew what success looked and sounded like and through VERY concentrated work led those groups to winning many state choral awards. 

All of my best memories of high school are those of participation in one of Betty's groups.  Forgive me for sharing a few personal memories.  I was a member of Betty's Boy's a cappella choir. She coached us extremely well and at State Competition we gave our very best performance because we wanted to make Betty proud.  We didn't win 1st place. One judge criticized our performance for being " too loud".   The competition room was TINY.  I felt so bad for Betty as she knew she had the best choir that year and should have won. She made a bunch of rough high school boys very proud.

When she formed the Rocking Sounds I was fortunate enough to be asked to part of the group. Several of our members had serious musical talent and the rest of us filled in to make an excellent choral/band group. Betty had a tremendous creative mind and led the group in  such a wide range of numbers we could (and did) perform in a variety of setting. 

Betty's production of the South Pacific and other musicals were just wonderful.  

 Some folks around Rogers will remember her most talented piano students like Kenneth Merrill, Rano Papini, and Mark Milosovich.  She brought out the very best in these boys.

Betty will live in the hearts of thousands of kids who were lucky enough to be her students

Betty Sutton had the greatest impact on me.  
I became her piano pupil in 1957 and we remained dear friends ever after.  I loved watching her and Mr. Sutton dance!    She mentored me throughout school and later in career choices.  We worked together often, teaching, adjudicating.  She was certainly a force!  She will be so very missed

I took piano from Mrs. Sutton with my friend Kim  in elementary through high school.  It was such a unique experience to have partner lessons—each of us had our strengths and style, and she really helped bring that out and challenge us. She was always so full of joy, and I loved to hear her stories of New York. I remember seeing her play Rachmaninov just impromptu once and was amazed. When my plans after high school changed and I had to stay at home an additional year, Mrs. Sutton was one person that helped me see a purpose in my life by letting me assist with group lessons. She had such style, and “Mrs. Sutton Street” with the beautiful maple trees  is a favorite place to see in Rogers in the fall. 

Betty was a wonderful friend and a devoted mother and grandmother.  Tommy, she was so proud of you!  It is a shame that she suffered so much for so long.

When Howard was Coach at Rogers, and my husband, Bob, was Coach at Bentonville, we became friends, and the four of us shared many good times. It was always a joy to see how “dolled up” Betty would be when we went to the Elks Club. Sorry to hear of her death. 

I began piano lessons with Mrs. Betty at the age of five, and I am fortunate enough to have had 13 wonderful years with her as my teacher.  She was such a beautiful, patient person, and she imparted so much more than music to her students.  One could not be around Mrs. Betty without sensing her passion for life, travel and her beloved family.  She saw the best in every student and worked so hard to help each reach his or her full potential.  After my time with her as a music instructor ended, she still called or dropped by to see how my siblings and I were doing in college and graduate school.  I will miss her dearly.  

I have many fond memories of Mrs. Sutton, as a piano student and as an employee at the Carousel Studio.   I transferred to her 5th or 6th grade.  Oh, the hours I practiced for her and her competitions she took me to.   I was the same age as Kevin.  He was pretty amazing himself.   I started working for her with beginners my Junior year in HS.  I appreciated that opportunity.   She was an amazing teacher and performer.  I loved hearing her play.  
Prayers for comfort to her family.  

Mrs.Sutton is my favorite teacher and had great impact on my life.  She was the example of a teacher that laid the foundation for my many years teaching.  Mrs. Sutton guided me to a full scholarship at John Brown University and performing opportunities that formed me.   I look forward to seeing her again in God's choir.  

Dear Tom and family, Rogers has lost a grand lady. Her love of music, love of family, love of teaching, and love of life were evident in all she did. I began taking piano lessons from her as a third grader and kept on during most of high school. Piano guild, choir, and South Pacific were also fond memories with Mrs. Sutton.  Her greatest gift was the kindness she gave to others. She certainly lit up the room with her infectious smile. May you all find comfort in knowing how she was loved by so many.

Tom & Family:
In her life story and the memories left here,  it is clear that your loved one has had a profound impact on many lives. Especially her students. A wonderful memorial to what has obviously been a life well lived. 
Andi and I send our condolences to you all. 

Dear Tom,
The last time I saw Betty was at a reunion of the South Pacific cast. She was still a ball of energy and looked much younger than her age. I loved taking piano from her, and she even let me sing in the school choir even though she said I couldn’t sing on key. She just made sure I wasn’t close to a microphone.  She lived a long and very full life; we are all blessed to have know her.

My first memory of Betty was when I was in 7th grade in Jr. High and believe it or not I was very shy at first.....I had moved to Rogers when in the 5th grade from a rural community and this was the first time ever to sing in a chorus so I did not know what my voice would sound like but I remember that she taught me how to read music notes so that I could practice singing and find out if I was a soprano, alto, or how I would sound.....we decided that I would be an alto and she also taught me to sing out and not to be afraid to be heard which I did not realize would help me to sing in front of people in church and later in life I sang either with others or as a solo performance first in church and then at other functions for the Wal-mart home office large gatherings and other places......needless to say she encouraged me in my youth which in turn also encouraged me later in life as an adult to have confidence in myself to get up in front of people and perform......I never got to properly thank her for that being that I had moved away for several years but I moved back and wish that I had been able to do that so today I just want to say thank you Tom and family and send my sincere condolences because losing her has left a big hole in all of our hearts and she will be missed by so so many people......prayers and hugs to you all.....


I had the privilege of being Ms Betty’s student and friend during my childhood and young adult years.   She taught me music.  Not just where to place my fingers and how to read the notes.  It was a deeper meaning.  A love, an outlet, a piece of myself no one could try to change, take away or ridicule.  She taught me confidence, strength.  I became a better person.  Thank you for that.  I’m so glad you were a part of my life and helped shape who I am today.  

Clearly, Betty was a Rogers icon and loved by many, but to me, she (and Rocking Sounds) was my anchor.  We moved to Rogers the summer of 1973, the summer between my junior and senior year of high school and for her to allow my audition and then selection to Rocking Sounds gave me a place to belong.  Without realizing the importance of her decision, she provided a “place” for  a 16 year old girl who knew absolutely no one but could sing a little bit.  I have spoken of her often through the years with admiration and gratitude.  Thank God for music.  Thank God for someone like Mrs. Sutton.  My sincere sympathy, Tom.  God bless you and yours.

Choir with Betty Sutton in junior high and high school hold some of the best memories of my growing-up years! She both challenged and encouraged me, whether it was participation in All-Region and All-State Choir, The Rocking Sounds, singing in church, or pursuing a college scholarship. She had the ability to draw out the best in her students and share a life-long love of music. She took many insecure teenagers and instilled confidence in them. I am richer because of her dedication. 

Tommy, I am so sorry for your loss. I adored your mom and always loved her giggle and laugh. She truly lit up any room. What a great musical talent. She had such an impact on so many lives. My parents thought so much of your parents. I hope you will be strengthened by all of your wonderful memories. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

It was a joy to have shared the love of music and the love of our children. She definitely was a gift to those who learned to play the piano from her, and those who had the opportunity to perform under  her direction.She was beautiful in every way.

Betty was a great teacher, mentor, encourager, and friend.  I helped Betty in the studio off and on for nearly 40 years.   I considered myself a helper, but she said I was a teacher, and an excellent one.  It took years for me to believe that.  She motivated and believed in me, inspired me  to grow and develop my musicianship.  We laughed a lot, cried together a little.   We didn’t get to visit that much while teaching, so we made up for it when in the car together.  Once we were talking so fast and laughing so hard that we finally realized we were going in circles in a parking garage.  That makes me smile!  The best memory is traveling to NYC with Betty.  We had an action packed schedule planned by Betty, of course.   She wanted us to see it all.   My daughter and I were chasing  her on the streets of NYC....we couldn’t keep up...and she had on high heels.  I’m not kidding.  Oh how I loved that lady.  She was a great influence on my life.  I’m  blessed to know her.  I believe losing Kevin was her greatest pain...but no pain now.  All are together in the presence of Jesus.  Love you, Betty.  See you again.

Tom and family, my condolences to and prayers for you, and thankfulness to have known your mother. Her energy and persuasiveness were almost boundless, as was the love she had for her students. A legend has passed. 

She was a wonderful chorus teacher - always enjoyed her class.  Such a sweet lady!  Loved her husband too as principal!  
 Debbie (Neff) Paul   RHS class of 1969

I was Betty and Howard’s housekeeper for many many years. I think the thing that comes to mind when I think of them is how Howard would come home and say “Where’s my first wife?” They were good friends with Joyce and DC Slaughter, and Dick and Sally Williams and often would get together. Joyce was her dear friend until the end. They are all gone except Joyce, the best friend a girl could have! I will miss you Miss Betty!❤️

Dear Tom and family,   So many memories come to mind when we think of Betty.  It was a privilege and honor to know her, take piano lessons from her and be a part of Rocking Sounds.  Then to be able to add our 3 children to her long list of piano students for many years, cemented a long friendship with her.  She instilled such a love of music in everything she did.  We are grateful for those memories and pray peace and comfort for all of you in your loss.  

Betty started me playing a prelude on the organ once a month.  She was our organist at the time.  This was probably 1973?  Am the organist now and have been since 1984.  She knew how “to make” people do things.  How could you say no....such as 10 Bach pieces by memory for piano guild. I attribute all my ability to her.  You will be missed! 

I am grateful to be among the countless folks whose lives were enriched by having known Betty Sutton. It’s impossible to even estimate the impact she had on her world, and I am deeply saddened by her passing. I miss her, and I miss Howard and Kevin. She was a beautiful, lovely woman. 

As a child, I lived in the same neighborhood as the Suttons.  Our families were friends and I remember a lot of fun times.  I adored both Howard and Betty.  Betty's giggle and laugh were so infectious - she truly brightened any room she entered.

She and Howard sincerely cared for others and were such inspirations and great role models to children and teenagers.

Their legacy will live on through the memories so many of us have of them.  Rogers is a better place because of their influence.

I know Heaven is rocking with music a little more now having received Betty.

Prayers & Virtual Hugs to Tommy & the family.

Becky Jefferson Zajicek

My memories and smiles from time spent with Betty in Philadelphia were numerous. Her joyousness and exuberant presence were not only enough to light-up a room, in fact, she lit up the whole house. Perhaps none brighter than Thanksgiving 2011 when we all gathered in her son and daughter-in-law’s home to feast and celebrate. And there was certainly her famous pecan pie. I won’t be the first nor the last to sing her praises for that recipe. But I would be remiss if I didn't also mention how much I also delighted in our shared joy for music. Betty was a kind and beautiful woman, Mother, and Grandmother. May her memory be a blessing and a song in our hearts.

Our Philadelphia family was blessed so many years when Betty visited Tom and Andi. Thanksgiving was often a happy time at the Sutton home. Betty was such a dynamic and beautiful person. She always baked her wonderful pecan pies and we all enjoyed her great spirit, wonderful thoughts, and loving care. We shall miss her, but we shall always remember her with love and joy.

We are so grateful that when we moved to Rogers years ago someone told us about Mrs Betty.  All three children took from her and learned much more than piano.   She was very good to our family.   We had over twenty years of the end of year Sunday afternoon recitals!  She will live on through all of her students.  Lisa Bacon

Tom, sorry for your loss. I recall working with Betty on a senior play as director and set designer, but she was the real driving force of its success. As a young English/ Speech-Drama teacher, i would have been overwhelmed with scope of the production, but she handled the musical aspects forcefully and made it a success. Both your parents made memorable impressions on me that lasted throughout my career.  

Dear Tommy and family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady and an outstanding chorus teacher as well as a fabulous piano teacher. My years working with her and my friendship with her and your dad mean the world to me. Please know that she will be missed by everyone in Rogers and the many students whose life she touched.
Fondly, 
Janie Darr

Tom and family, 
Your parents gave so much of themselves to Rogers and NW Arkansas. As you can see from the many posts, your energetic, enthusiastic, beautiful mother was loved by and inspired many RHS students as well as her private students. Sending it sincere condolences to you as you give thanks for her long and vibrant life. 

Almost 50 years ago now,  I was among  a handful of students who comprised "The Rocking Sounds", a choral group that performed all over NWA and elsewhere. I was the drummer and hid behind the pretty girls that everyone came to see. I was part of this group for about 2 years. Ms. Sutton was the director and kept things fun and inspiring for all. She was welcoming, warm and a great director.. a true leader. People loved to see that talented group perform, none more so than my parents who never missed a chance to see us. Even rehearsals were fun and that takes someone who genuinely cares about what they're doing. Love to the Sutton family. Please know Betty touched a lot of lives in a special way.

I am so sad to hear about Ms. Betty Sutton!  She and Howard were Icons in our community!  I will always remember her grace, her extreme musical talent, her beauty, her fashion sense, and her kind heart!  She touched so many lives here in Rogers and beyond.  I am very grateful for all of my years as her student and friend!  My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and the entire family!

I remember Betty as a whirlwind.  She was always on the go. I loved teaching with her and being a friend.  God bless you Tom and your family.

Tom and family, I am saddened from the loss of your Mom, but feel so blessed to have known her and been a part of the “Betty Sutton era” in Rogers.  She meant a lot to me and so many people that grew up in Rogers for over 30 years!  Thanks for sharing her with us.

Dearest Tom, your mother was a true inspiration for so many in our fair town. I feel so blessed to have spent my youth there and to have been able to be influenced by people like your mom.
You probably don’t know this but I didn’t get to take piano until I was an adult and there was no question where I would seek help.
I’m also really thankful  that I got to share our faith at St Andrews together  for several years. 
Amazing is the only word I can think to use when thinking of her. 
God bless you all.

“Ms Sutton” was the heart of the RHS music department. While teenagers are notorious for emotional breakdowns and drama... if this was ever an issue with her, she never showed it. What she did show was a dedicated caring, discipline and enabling. The result was a host of better balanced, motivated and equipped RHS graduates. 

50 years after graduation, I’m still motivated and capable because of Ms Sutton. I teased her, but sincerely meant my appreciation of her contribution to my life when I told her “I sang before Presidents!” ....which is true, but with 300 other Army, Navy & Air Force cadets at a presidential inauguration. I still get to sing but have added playing my cello.

I can only imagine the effect when I get to see her students in heaven singing to the Great White Throne and the One who sits on it! What a time that will be!

I will see you again “Ms Sutton”!  

For the years I knew her, Betty Sutton was a ball of energy, hope, enthusiasm and inspiration.  There wasn't anything "her kids" couldn't accomplish -- and her confidence was contagious!  She was a friend, mentor, teacher and role model.  "Mrs. Sutton" had a profound influence on my life and many of our classmates.  The way she could unify and lead such a diverse group of teenagers was amazing!  And she never seemed to tire of it all.  Betty loved her life and the people in it, and it showed every day.

She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed for a very, very long time!

I loved her in so many ways.  She had faith in me when I had very little.  She gave me opportunities to use and grow my talents.  God love her.

Memories of the many trips we took with Betty and Howard  are among the fondest I have.  She was a dear person and I’m richer for having known her.  She is now with the love of her life.  Thank you Betty for your love and laughter.  

Dear Sutton Family,
     I cannot thank Betty enough for the gift of music. I would not be a music director at a church without her excellent training. She was ageless, had boundless energy and full of grace. She will be sorely missed. The music lives on!

Betty, Howard, & Tommy were some of the first people  we met when we came to Rogers. We became good friends & had many good times together.  I am saddened to hear Betty has passed.  My love to you, Tom, & family.  You are in my prayers.                

Betty Sutton had a great influence in my high school life. She was such an amazing teacher and had such vitality.  I wouldn’t be a university theatre professor without her influence while I was as happy n high school.  She had such an impact on her students. 

OBITUARY

Betty Jean Sutton

August 15, 1931 – December 25, 2020

Rollins Funeral Home

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