Betty Joyce Keyes Cox passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, April 1, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a happy, fulfilling 96 years. Her family and loved ones are filled with sorrow, yet bittersweet gratitude at the loss of their devoted and loving mother, sister, aunt, grandma, great-grandma, and even great-great-grandma.
God broke the mold when Betty was born on June 30, 1927, in Evanston, to Harry and Sarah Elsie Smethurst Keyes. She was the fourth child of eight siblings.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard D.; parents; brothers, Ted and Kenneth Keyes; sisters, Elsie Louise, Evelyn (Geiger) and Jennie Ann (Keeler); one grandson, Zachary Goick; two granddaughters, Jennifer Morrow and Brittany Morrow; two sons-in-law, Lee Perrigo and Mike Goick; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. We imagine the reunion in heaven will be a joyous one.
She is survived by all of her children; and sisters, Virgina (Roberston) and Josephine (Nichols).
She married the love of her life, Leonard, on Jan. 1, 1948. A decade later their marriage was solemnized, and their family was sealed to them in the Salt Lake City Temple on Oct. 3, 1958. From their union, five children were born: Dee Wayne, Debra, Douglas, Barbara and Brenda.
Betty had various jobs; she was a waitress, maid and loved her job at Blyth and Fargo. She made a career working as a charge aide at the Wyoming State Hospital from which she retired. She also operated a trailer court and mink ranch alongside her husband Dee. She worked as a faithful volunteer at the hospital gift shop.
She was a beloved and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in different capacities within the Relief Society (president and secretary) and as a visiting teacher. She served as an ordinance worker in the Ogden Temple, an 18-month working mission in Western Samoa, and an 18-month temple mission in Sydney, Australia; all alongside her loving husband. She also belonged to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Camp Cedar group.
She loved spending time with her family and was so proud of each and every one of them whether they were immediate or extended. She even made acquaintances that weren’t related feel welcome and forever a part of her family. She relished any opportunity to spend with them, whether it was a big family reunion, a quick visit, or a meal together. Her eyes would especially light up with a sparkle at the sight of any of her great- or great-great-grandkids.
She was incredibly talented at crocheting, knitting and sewing and took pride and delight in making items for her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and even some of the Ashton-Drake dolls she loved so much. She paid such attention to detail and was very meticulous in her craft.
She will be deeply missed by her family, including her two sons: Dee Wayne (Paula) Cox and Douglas (Jana) Cox, of Evanston; three daughters: Debra Perrigo of Laurel, Montana, Barbara Goick, and Brenda (Don) Morrow of Evanston; her 21 grandkids; 38 great-grandkids; eight great-great-grandkids; and her two sisters.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the Elm Street LDS Church in Evanston. There was a visitation Friday night at Crandall Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church, prior to the service.
Interment was in the Evanston City Cemetery.
