Betty Newton Hurley

Betty Newton Hurley went home to join the Lord on February 15, 2023, in the comfort of her beloved tree farm, El Regalo Ranch, in Kennard, Texas. She was born in Chase City, Virginia on July 31, 1941. Although Betty grew up in Virginia, she moved to Texas at age 19 and called Texas home for the rest of her life.

Betty had a lifelong love of writing and teaching which led her to become a published poet and devoted teacher. She taught Spanish to young children and English in the Amnesty Program. She was active in literary circles, a member of the Poetry Society of Texas, the National Federation of State Poetry Societies and Poets Northwest where she served as president.

Betty and her husband, John, decided to live a simpler life on their East Texas tree farm after she retired from a fulfilling career as a Spanish teacher and John retired from Shell Oil Company in Houston. Because she strongly felt her tree farm was a gracious gift from God, Betty named the property El Regalo Ranch, which is Spanish for “The Gift”. She made a promise to God that if He provided her the means to care for His animals, she would and she fulfilled this promise until the last day of her earthly life. Her tree farm was a refuge for dozens of cats and dogs over the course of 35 years. Her home also served as a refuge for her grandchildren and great grandchildren who called her Grammy. She always had a warm hug, homemade food and meaningful gifts for the children at every visit, no matter how short of a visit. When asked why, she would smile and reply, “Because I’m a Grammy, that’s why! Everyone needs a Grammy!” She was right – Her family needed her and cherishes every memory with her. Betty will be remembered as a faithful Christian, selfless mother, devoted grandmother and great grandmother and a loyal friend. She ensured a legacy of her love for God, family, animals, poetry, Christmas and cooking.

Betty is survived by her children – Deborah Dawkins and husband, William Dawkins, Albert Richard Hurley and wife, Mary Ann McCrackin, and David Hurley; Grandchildren – Ashley Hurley, Joshua Hurley, Brooke Calloway and husband, Joel Calloway, Adam Dawkins, Kristin Pyle and husband, Aaron Pyle, Mindy Hurley, John David Hurley and Atticus Hurley; Great Grandchildren – Scarlett Calloway, Cason Pyle and Mia Pyle.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Hurley; Parents – Marvin Newton and Cora Roberts Cowley; Siblings – Marvin Saunders Newton, Nancy Newton Dowdy, Herbert Newton, Mildred Newton Miller, Tyree Newton and Clifford Cowley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to local animal rescues in her name.

Online condolences may be left at www.callawayallee.com

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