Dec. 14, 1951 - Nov. 29, 2015
Date of Service: Dec. 5, 2015
Betty Jo Stephens
HEYBURN - Betty Jo Stephens, age 63, of Heyburn, passed away Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, at her home.
Betty was born in Harper, Kan., Dec. 14, 1951, the daughter of Willard Lloyd Smalley and Lois Imogene (Ross) Smalley. She married Vernon Stephens in Jerome, Idaho, Jan. 20, 1970.
She was employed in a variety of different pursuits throughout her life, including cashier, store clerk, baby-sitter, candy-striper, pizza-maker and nursing home companion; and she lived in many different places, including Kansas and Texas, as well as Idaho locations that include Gooding, Jerome, Paul, Heyburn, Rupert, Burley and Murtaugh.
Betty’s life’s experiences brought her much joy and satisfaction. She loved going to church until she became too ill to attend, and especially loved singing. She had a voice that sounded just like Patsy Cline. She loved spending time with family and friends and loved to attend family reunions and hold the babies. She was a great cook and baker and she liked to fish for catfish. She had a special way of lightening any environment that she was placed in.
She is survived by her husband, Vernon; children, Karla Jo (Ryan) Shafer of Heyburn, Kevin David Stephens of Springfield, Ore., Robert Rodriguez of Heyburn, and Mike Platt of Burley; siblings, Mike Smalley, Teresa Williams, Bonnie Barrett (Betty’s twin sister), and Anthony Dean Smalley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her aunt, Zelma Ross; and uncles, Lloyd Ross, David Ross, and Dwight Ross.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Heyburn 2nd Ward LDS Church, 530 Villa Dr., in Heyburn, with bishop Nathan Catmull officiating. Burial will be in the Paul Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Saturday at the church.
