Birth date: Jun 10, 1926 Death date: Jun 4, 2013
At 11:56 am on June 10, 1926, Antonio and Leeta Armani welcomed their first and only child, Betty Jean Armani, our Mother. Mom had wonderful and very loving pare June 28, 1947, our Mom married Milton Charles Estes. Together they Read Obituary
Betty Mireles was my mother-in-law, however, she treated me like a son and I loved her like my mother.
I married her youngest daughter, Irene. My wife is an intelligent, caring, strong, and beautiful woman, I know where she got those traits -- her mother.
I first met Betty when I was still in high school. I actually knew her and Irene's dad, Greg, before I met Irene, so I have known her for a long time.
From the first time I met her to our last meeting in May of this year, Betty and I had a very honest and trusting relationship. There was nothing we could not talk about -- family, finances, the good, the bad, or the ugly. We talked about her hopes and dreams for her children, as well as her disappointments.
She was a wise soul, who knew when to speak and when to remain silent. Anyone whoever played cards with her knew how sharp and disarmingly witty she could be as systematically beat you. I always wanted to be her card playing partner.
For you, Irene, I know she was proud of you, your tenacity, strong will and intelligence, and she said that the accomplishments you have achieved made her very proud. Take heart in that as your mother passed those traits to you, you have given them to our daughter, Kelsey. She is an intelligence, smart, strong, and beautiful woman like her mother and grandmother.
I will miss Betty Mireles. The impact she had on my life cannot be measured. Not only did she and Irene's dad, Greg, allow me to marry their daughter, she was there for me at key moments in my life that made a difference to me and made me who I am today.
Betty Mireles will be remembered and cherished in the hearts and minds of all who knew her, and that will be her legacy. I know she will always be a part of me. Love you Mom.
Dean Hayes
Keller, Texas
Mom was born in Spokane Washington and raised in Wallace Idaho. She grew up during the depression and the beginning of WWII with a very best friend, Elaine Kotkey. In 2004, we took her to visit Elaine. Over that weekend, the two women talked incessantly about their teenaged years, including boys, soldiers, gas coupons, cars, etc. Mom’s nickname, I’m sure you won’t be surprised, was Lucky, and she was loved by all.
Mom spent the biggest part of her life traveling the globe as a military wife. After that she ended up in Iowa where she spent about twenty years. In the 90s Mom returned to Washington where she lived the remainder of her life.
My Mom was a different person to each of her children and as such we will probably each remember her differently. She is in my head, heart and memories. And, oh, those memories.
I took the time and precious hours to interview my Mom. Yes, I interviewed my Mom. In 1996, I went to Washington for that sole purpose. I set up a Camcorder and we talked; I asked her a series of questions -- What is your earliest memory? How has the “Hand of Fate” played a part in your life? In what ways do you think each of your children is like you… not like you? When did you realize you were no longer a child? When I look back at that night and watch that video, I am so happy we shared that time alone.
In 2009 I did this again, sitting across from her with just my computer and more questions. This time, with pictures that I had and ones that she gave me, I made a Shutterfly photo book of her life and gave one to each of my siblings.
But I remember the Mom of yesteryear as well - the lady who helped open a high-end dress shop in Iowa, one that catered to larger sized women. Not only did she help open that shop but she helped them expand X-Size Fashions into 4 other locations. She then became the head buyer, going to Dallas Market several times to select the clothes for all of the stores. She WAS the store. That was the 1970s and she was a fashion icon in the Mason City, Clear Lake Iowa area.
Then there was the time she made a television commercial – “Mamma Mia. That’s a good Pizza.”
Everyone knew she loved to dance and she did a lot of it at the VFW in Garner Iowa with my Dad. She never sat down. I know for those who only knew her with a walker, wheelchair or scooter it may be hard to believe but she and my Dad could cut a rug! And they were always at the VFW- she even tended bar when they needed.
Besides being a world traveler during her military days with my Dad, she also loved vacationing with us -- Worlds of Fun, Busch Gardens and Walt Disney World were some of the stops.
These are my memories – I wanted those of you stopping by to know she was also a fun loving and active loud and raucous woman!
Irene Hayes
-- Keller Texas
Betty and I shared many memories together. We went on a road trip to visit her daughter in TX, my aunt in Ok and a friend in CO. It was a great trip. There are many other memories and I will miss sharing them with her. She was a friend to everyone she met.
I will miss her. Gone but not forgotten. Charlotte
Betty was a very special lady who brought such peace by her presence. She was loved at Tacoma Lutheran by all the residents and staff. We had many laughs and fun times together while she battled health issues, although you would never know it with her smile and thinking of others before herself. I will never forget you dear Betty.
Terri Pfeiffer, Life Enrichment at Tacoma Lutheran Home
Betty's fun loving spirit will truely be missed. Thank you for sharing in our lifes Betty. We Love you. Mitch, Bhing, Della
