The Life of BETTY MARIE HAMM WHITE
Betty M. White, 79, was born November 29, 1931, in Redfield, Iowa, the daughter of W. Thomas Evans, Sr. and Lillian B. Skidmore. She died Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
Betty married the first love of her life, James Norman Hamm, on October 21, 1950. James loved showing his affection by singing her songs such as “Hey, Hey Good Lookin,’” and “Running Bear.” James died unexpectedly on December 21, 1964, leaving Betty to raise their three children. Betty was lucky enough to find love again and married Robert Thomas White, Sr. in 1976. He had three children of his own, so together they raised six wonderful children.
Betty was very well known for her love given to everyone, family or not. She did crafts and was a very creative woman. Betty enjoyed going to church and sharing God’s love in different ways. She loved dancing, especially polka and square dancing, and was always light on her feet.
Betty leaves behind a large family that she loved dearly. Survivors include her children, Judy (Hugh) Dwight McClaskey, Juliann (Steve) Reben, Robert Thomas White, Jr., Debra (Doug) Reed, and Cindee (Ken) Messmaker; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, also both great loves of her life, James Hamm and Robert White; her brother, Bill Evans, Jr., and her son, James Raymond Hamm I. She will be greatly missed, but leaves a large legacy of love.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Family will greet visitors from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa or Iowa Cancer Society in loving memory of Betty.