Betty M. Tankersley's Obituary
A Spirited, Compassionate Adventurer
A small community in Kingston, Tennessee welcomed Betty Morgan into this world on August 14, 1931. In the face of extremely challenging economic times, she learned generosity of spirit, respect and empathy for others and a deep appreciation for the joy that life has to offer. These qualities accompanied her throughout her 81 years and touched the many who shared her journey.
The World Was Her Oyster
Betty’s wanderlust began early: she left home at the age of 16, to the chagrin of her family, to follow her heart across the country and marry her sweetheart. Life taught her quickly to be self-sufficient and resilient when her husband was enlisted to Korea and she devoted two years to raising baby Carl alone. Betty made the most of every situation and as the family grew to include daughter Linda, fond memories were created during many 4H Dog Shows, TV dinners and peaceful trailer-camping trips to Easton. Later on, their travels expanded to England, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, Copenhagen, Canada, Africa and – her favorite vacation spot on earth – Hawaii.
Mother Nature, Mother Nurture
Betty taught her children to be compassionate and brave, and supported them in everything they chose to do and not just with words. Her actions left a bigger impression that any schoolbook or hymnal could achieve. Whether opening and operating a dog kennel in the 60s to make a legitimate home for the many wayward animals people would constantly deliver to her care or graduating from Nursing school and pursuing a fulfilling career her open, giving example was ever-inspiring.
Feisty and Fun-loving – A Great Friend
Betty’s distinctive laugh was like a beacon to a happy harbour. She enjoyed being with her family, her many friends and her beloved cats Cindy , Key Cat, Ginger and Precious and dogs Suzie and Casey. Rain or shine, or storm of the decade, you would find Betty in the audience of Utah’s Shakespearian Festivals or seeing five plays in five days on Broadway. She loved reading and escaping to romantic, exotic locales just as much as she loved the hustle and excitement of casinos and gambling for fun or tucking into a fine meal of shrimp or lobster. Betty longed for her dream car: a coral-colored Mustang with fur-covered upholstery but she was quite happy with her blue Dodge pick-up truck. The vision of five-foot-tall Mom jumping into her pick-up will always be a funny and fond memory of Betty.
A Legacy of Caring
With her long history of nursing patients, nurturing children and caring for animals, Betty taught the value of life, never ‘cussing’ or making fun of others. Even after suffering two strokes – the second of which left her unable to speak or read – she still was able to maintain and express her inner sense of peace and happiness. She was appreciative of the time she spent with her children and of the companionship of her friend Holly. Betty passed away on April 4, 2012 in Tacoma, Washington. Her “Top Cat” Cindy Cher left the earth just two days prior. She is survived by her sister Joyce Durham and her children Linda Church and Carl “Mike” Tankersley.
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