Elizabeth “Betty” Pauline Hinkle

Elizabeth “Betty” Pauline Hinkle

Birmingham

Elizabeth “Betty” Pauline Hinkle, formerly of Birmingham, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, at the age of 100 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Born on November 13, 1924, in Fairfield, Iowa, Betty was the cherished daughter of Clifford and Cora Jerrel. Her life was a testament to her resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Betty's early years were spent in Fairfield, where the foundation of her character was laid. She married the love of her life, Ernie Hinkle, on August 5, 1944, in Butte, Montana, embarking on a journey that would span seven decades. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to their family and many foster children.

As a lifelong learner and educator, Betty spent her career shaping minds as a teacher. Her voice connected people as a switchboard operator, and her hands nurtured the earth alongside her husband as a farmer's wife. Perhaps her most profound role, however, was as a foster mom to 33 children over the years, providing a safe haven and unconditional love to those in need.

Betty's faith was a cornerstone of her existence, with her membership at the Birmingham United Methodist Church reflecting her spiritual devotion. Her involvement with the Villages of Van Buren and numerous other organizations showcased her commitment to service and her passion for being an active, positive force in her community.

Her legacy continues through her loving family, including her two sons, Dennis Ives (Kelly) and Tracey Simmons; two daughters, Donna Jane Siemens and April Boyd (Dylan); and her fourteen grandchildren, Betty also leaves behind a host of relatives and friends, all of whom were touched by her kindness and zest for life.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernie; her son Ronnie; her daughters Viola and Leslie; and her two sisters, Carol Mae Leathers and Darlene Grieger.

Betty's story is not just one of the years she lived but the countless lives she touched. Her generous spirit will live on through the many she inspired, and her memory will serve as a beacon of love, compassion, and community. Betty Pauline Hinkle's century of life was marked by her remarkable spirit and the positive impact she made on the world around her.

As per her wishes, Betty's body has been cremated. A service to celebrate her extraordinary life will be held at a later date, with her final resting place at Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorials in Betty’s honor to go towards foster care may be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

In the quiet moments, we will find Betty in the laughter of children, the warmth of a helping hand, and the beauty of a well-tended garden. Her journey on earth has ended, but her story—woven into the fabric of so many lives—will never be forgotten.