Betty Lou Todd, 84, of Bald Knob, Arkansas went to be with her Savior on Monday, July 10, 2023. She was born March 27, 1939 in Allen County, Kentucky to the late Thomas and Jessie Graves. She met her late husband, Leonard Ray Todd, through a pen pall program in a Braille magazine. They had written each other for about a year, when he asked her to come to Arkansas to visit. A short time later, they were married on September 7, 1963. Together they raised three girls and were members of the Church of Christ. Betty was strong-willed. Even as a child, when she put her mind to something, if at all possible, she accomplished it. Although her formal education did not begin until age 10 or 11, she was a good student and an exceptional speller. She was so happy when she learned to read, because she could read the Bible for herself. She would say, “If you can learn to read, you can learn about anything.” As long as she was able, she enjoyed reading her Braille Bible and daily devotionals. She had a love for cats and had many over the years. She would say that she liked dogs, but she had a special place in her heart for cats. She loved to tell stories, especially ones that caused laughter. She loved to laught and kept her sense of humor well into her later years. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond and Robert Crossfield, Spencer, Ralph, Gordon, and Douglas Graves; sisters, Pauline Dinkins, Vee Patterson, Virgie Stevens, and Margaret Graves. She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Todd Cummuso (Kent), Rachel Todd Mees, Amey Todd Bowlan (Jason); 13 grandchildren, Darrien Reed (Trisha), Derrick Reed (Jessica), Laura Cox (Aaron), Sarah Mees, Britney Box (Matt), Jacob Hale, Derion Coleman (Tyra), Caleb Hale (Morgan), Hanna Hale (Cecil), Jesse Mees, EmmahHale (Hunter), Jubal Hale, and Josh Cummuso; 9 great-grandchildren; Timarah Sullens, Josie Neal, Isabella Hale, Brynleigh Friskey, Owen Box, Dallas Cox, Ila May Hale, Cecil Allen Hale, and Everliegh Reed.
We are thankful for the love and respect shown to our Mom and Grandma by the personnel of Elite Hospice, as well as her loving caregiver, Denise Zumwalt, who took excellent care of her the last several months of her life. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bonnie Todd Commuso, Rachel Todd Mees, Amey Todd Bowlan, Darrien Reed, Jason Bowlan and Kent Cummuso.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen at 2:00 P.M. with Joe Brumfield officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M.. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
Didn’t get to visit with Aunt Betty once she moved in with Bonnie but I do have old memories with her when I was younger and that’s something you can’t take away. Loved her cooking and loved visiting with her when i could. RIP Aunt Betty
I have lots of memories with Aunt Betty. Loved her fried chicken. I didn’t get to visit her much because i moved alot. Love you! RIL! I know someone special was waiting for you.
Mrs. Betty was a wonderful Christian lady! I always enjoyed visiting with her at Bonnie’s house. She really did love her cats. They brought her so much joy! I was always so amazed that she and Mr. Leonard raised those three wonderful daughters! Amey has told me so many exciting stories about their childhood. Mrs. Betty had a firm hand but she loved her girls! I know she is rejoicing in Heaven with all of her family and especially the love of her life. Rest In Peace dear Mrs. Betty. Love, Anita
I have fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Todd from seeing them in my father’s drugstore in Carlisle. My father was Pat Cook. We lost him last October. I am so sorry for the loss of your parents. You have our sympathies. Mary Gail (daughter of Pat Cook)