Betty Huddleston Calaway

Monday, December 29, 2014

Betty Huddleston Calaway, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 25, 2014, in Blytheville, after battling Alzheimer's disease for the past five years with dignity and grace.

Betty was born on Nov. 21, 1932, in Batesville to Edna Cecil and William McKinley Huddleston. She was the third of five children and was the only daughter.

Betty was a graduate of Batesville High School and a graduate of Arkansas College, now Lyon College, where she received her bachelor of arts degree. After she got her degree, she started teaching fourth grade at Newark, but after a few years decided that raising her children and helping her husband in the restaurant business to be her job. After her husband sold his restaurants and went into an excavating business, she started teaching again and taught at Cushman High School for a year until she was hired by the Batesville Montessori School. This job captured her heart and she taught there for over 30 years, bringing so much joy into the lives of children. Younger kids were her passion and she was in charge of the toddlers. She taught practical life lessons to the little ones but also taught them the most important lesson which she felt was "to respect other people and think of others when doing things." She touched the hearts of many with her method of teaching, her patience and her kindness. In May 2006, the Batesville Montessori School dedicated The Calaway Garden to her and in her honor to show their gratitude and how much they appreciated all the hard work and devotion that she had shown the school, its staff, and its students.

Betty was a faithful member of the Ashbury United Methodist Church. She was actively involved in the church and was a member of the United Methodist's Women's Group. She was always ready to help with any church activity. She served as the treasurer for the church for over 30 years and also volunteered as pianist for the services whenever needed. Betty was known for providing transportation for any elderly member that needed it.

Betty was a fun-loving grandmother and was always ready to babysit and helped out when needed which, usually was about once a month. Betty also went on yearly vacations with her grandkids, daughter and son-in-law and visited Disney World several times which she enjoyed immensely. Her grandkids, Leslie and Alec, learned a great deal from Betty's example and teaching.

Betty was a sweet, kind, and gentle person and was dearly loved by so many people. She loved and lived life to the fullest. She was a joy to be around and she will be sorely missed. Her family and friends will cherish her memory and carry it in their hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Smith Calaway Jr.; and her four brothers, Dr. William Ennis Huddleston, Thomas Jason Huddleston, Dr. Charles Huddleston and Sammy Huddleston.

She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Karen Calaway Hester and her husband Dr. Richard Hester of Blytheville;

Her son, Mark Lester Calaway of Batesville;

Two grandchildren, Leslie Nicole Hester and Alec Sean Hester;

Fifteen nieces and nephews;

Her beloved "granddog," Kari; and

Numerous family and friends.

Friends may visit from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Roller Crouch Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Bethesda Campground Methodist Church.

If friends wish, a memorial contribution may be made to the Batesville Montessori School, 619 Broad, Batesville, AR 72501.

An online guestbook is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.