Betty Huggins

Betty Francis Huggins, 77, reluctantly gave in to heaven's call at her home in Central Heights on Monday, April 4, 2016. She was born at home on Smelter Street in Miami to Lorenzo and Lorene (Hughey) Hale on April 10, 1938 with her grandmother Georgia Hughey as midwife. She married Bobby Huggins on April 13, 1971 in Miami. She attended area schools and was a tax preparer for many years. Later she was office manager at Mid-State Child Care and Nutrition. Betty was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, participating in its various meetings and activities. She enjoyed cooking and baking and as a couple, Betty and Bob hosted many gatherings for family and crowds of friends including area Cowbelles, and the Old Time Fiddlers. Her passion was handwork and she created many crocheted items as gifts for others. She sewed for her grandchildren, making school clothes, quilts, and toys. Later in life when she was unable to attend church, she showed and shared her faith through the 1,000's of needlepoint crosses she made for all those who wanted one. In her memory, those crosses will be distributed world-wide in care packages for the military. Betty is survived by her loving husband of nearly 45 years, Bobby Huggins, children Vesta (John) Barrowdale of Payson, Jim Huggins of Globe, Ray (Ruthie) Huggins of Duncan, Rebecca Hartwell of Benson, Josh (Lisa) Huggins of Holbrook, and Leonard (Shirley) Strom of Central Heights, along with 17 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great- grandchildren, 4 siblings, Sharon, Paul, Dorene and Lorene and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, 5 siblings, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11 a.m., St. John's Episcopal Church, 185 East Oak St., Globe, with private interment in the church columbarium at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family prefers donations to St. John's Episcopal Church.