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Betty Ruth Stevens Porter

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Betty Ruth Stevens Porter

Birth	:	5 Aug 1927 Missouri, USA
Death	:	8 Apr 2014 Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Reno Cemetery, Cumberland, Cass County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.2009520, -94.8886050
Inscription	:	Memorial Stone inscription: "PORTER. Betty Ruth Stevens. Aug. 5, 1927 -- Apr. 8, 2014. 12th in Descent from Mayflower Pilgrim William Brewster."
Description	:	-- -- -- -- -- . OBITUARY: . Betty Ruth (Stevens) Porter, 86, of Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa, entered eternal life on April 8, 2014. "When peace like a river attendeth my way; It is well, it is well with my soul." . Although Betty Porter lived in Iowa for most of her adult life, southern Missouri was the place that she fondly referred to as "Home." As the following example illustrates, Betty's slight 'accent,' or, regional dialect, still reflected her roots: . Betty was impassioned to learn more about her ancestry, and whenever her daughter, Cathy, shared... Read More	-- -- -- -- -- . OBITUARY: . Betty Ruth (Stevens) Porter, 86, of Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa, entered eternal life on April 8, 2014. "When peace like a river attendeth my way; It is well, it is well with my soul." . Although Betty Porter lived in Iowa for most of her adult life, southern Missouri was the place that she fondly referred to as "Home." As the following example illustrates, Betty's slight 'accent,' or, regional dialect, still reflected her roots: . Betty was impassioned to learn more about her ancestry, and whenever her daughter, Cathy, shared bits and pieces of newly-discovered genealogy treasure with her Momma about their "Missouree" ancestors, Betty's blue eyes sparkled and she would laughingly remind her daughter, "People who grow up "down south" know that it's really pronounced "Missouruh." (And so it goes)... . Betty's parents had both been raised near Webb City, Jasper County, Missouri. Her grandparents, Edward Marshall Bisbee Stevens and Ella Nichols Childers, were married October 4, 1908, in McDonald County. (SOURCE: Marriage cited in Timothy Hopkins book, ''John Hopkins of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and some of His Descendants;'' page 589). Her Hopkins ancestors migrated to Missouri between 1850 and 1860. Their Childers ancestors migrated from Tennessee to Missouri, on December 3, 1837. (Source: "Goodspeeds History of McDonald & Newton County, Missouri;" page 103). . Betty is a direct descendant of Mayflower Pilgrim William Brewster through her Stevens / Childers / Hopkins / Rudd / Brewster ancestry. Her ancestral line can be traced generation-by-generation, in the above-referenced book, by Timothy Hopkins. . Betty Ruth Stevens was born August 5, 1927, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was raised by her grandfather, Edward M.B. Stevens, near Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri. She attended the Greenwood Country School, in Newton County, through the 8th grade. Betty also attended the Greenwood Baptist Church, where she came to the Lord. Betty graduated from Seneca High School and then participated in coursework at a local business school, where she acquired bookkeeping and office management skills that she utilized throughout her life. . Betty married Ross Joseph Porter on December 30, 1946, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. They first settled near Cumberland, Iowa; and later purchased forty acres near Mount Etna, in Adams County. Betty and Ross became the parents of two sons and three daughters, who all took great delight in listening to their extraordinary Momma, sing, play the piano, and yodel. . Betty was a homemaker and Momma Extraordinaire! Her children were the joy of her life, and she loved them unconditionally. . Over the years she was also employed in a variety of settings: Police & Sheriff Department Dispatcher/Jailer, police matron; office work, and businesswoman. Betty was an entrepreneur; she developed and operated a business raising and selling purebred cats. Betty purchased, operated, and paid for an 80-acre crop farm. . Betty strongly believed in equal rights for all; social & environmental justice. Decades before the "Lilly Ledbetter Act," Betty successfully advocated for a woman's right to Equal Pay for Equal Work. Betty enjoyed nature, flowers, gardening and feeding the birds. After reading "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson in the early 1960s, Betty became very concerned about the environment and world pollution. "Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." --Silent Spring, 1962. . Our Momma was a life-long Democrat. However, she was never the type of mother who required "Litmus Tests" of her offspring; so, her sons and daughters were always encouraged to choose their own paths. As a result, her children were a diverse group of Democrats, Republicans, and everything in between. She accepted and loved us, just as we are. . Betty is survived by her three daughters, Cathy Porter-Maynard and her husband, David Maynard of Minnesota, Cheri and her husband, Mike Pross of Montana, and Anita and her husband, Martin Mundorf of Iowa; daughter-in-law, Marlene Porter of Texas; an abundance of grandchildren, cousins, and treasured friends. . Betty was preceded in death by her father and mother; her two sons, Robert Luther Porter and Richard Allen "Rick" Porter, her children's father, Ross Porter, and other beloved Porter relatives. Betty was also preceded in death by many precious Stevens / Childers / Shirk / Daniels / and Hopkins family members, including Edward and Ethel [Hurt] Stevens, half-sister, Ruby (Stevens) Swatsenbarg; and half-brothers, Cecil Stevens and Vernon Stevens, etc. Also preceding her in death was an array of Strech relatives that Betty had always longed to know better, whom she will finally become acquainted with, in Heaven. . BURIAL: Betty believed in being a good steward of the earth and chose cremation. Private interment of ashes will take place at the Reno Methodist Cemetery, rural Cumberland, Cass County, Iowa. "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." (Eulogy excerpt, from the 'Book of Common Prayer.' Also see: Genesis 3:19). Betty's ashes will be interred near her youngest son, Robert Luther Porter, and her mother, Minnie Stevens Judy. . A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held September 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., at the Hockenberry Family Care Center, in Atlantic, Iowa. Rev. Matthew Novotny, and Joe Pross, grandson of Betty Porter, will be officiating. All who knew and loved Betty are warmly invited to attend. . Heaven is sweeter. The earth is emptier. With tears we rejoice for Betty. . As a family, we would like to give our sincere thanks to the Atlantic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and to the Iowa Care Initiatives Hospice Team. Betty was tenderly and lovingly cared for by the "adoptive family" of these two wonderful organizations. We will be forever grateful for the gentle kindness that was provided to our mother and for the support provided to our family. And, our deep appreciation to Mr. Richard Bolton and David Maynard, who, working together for more than a decade, have quietly served as Betty's (behind-the-scenes) "guardian angels." We thank you. . In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made in Betty's name, to the "Reno Methodist Cemetery," to help with the ongoing maintenance of the cemetery. Address: Dan Schrier, (Edna Township Clerk), 72031 690th Street, Cumberland, Iowa 50843. . Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. . [Obituary authored by Cathy Porter-Maynard]. . -- -- -- -- -- . REMEMBERING... Betty Stevens Porter: . -- -- -- -- -- . DATE: MOTHER'S DAY. 2010. "Treasured memories, of days gone by." . It is possible to mourn the loss of a cherished person, even though they are still living. My beloved mother has struggled with the challenges of Alzheimer's disease for a number of years. Like a thief in the night, this disease has robbed her of a lifetime of treasured memories; and, has left but a few vestiges of her "personhood." However, she has amazingly retained her characteristic sweet personality, and gentle ways. . I long to hear her voice on the telephone, when she attempted to 'surprise' me each year on the same date, by singing "Happy Birthday" when I answer the phone. It's been several years, since I received one of these calls. And, I still miss them. I long to see her delighted smile, when I enter a room and walk toward her - as her arms reach toward me, for a bear-hug. I long to hear her say my name, as she lovingly looks at my face. However, she no longer remembers who I am. . I miss her so. . A TRIBUTE TO A VERY SPECIAL PERSON: Our momma was life-long Democrat. But, she was never the kind of mother who required "Litmus Tests" of her offspring; so, her sons and daughters were always encouraged to choose their own paths. As a result, we're a diverse group of Democrats, Republicans, and everything in between. She accepted and loved us, just as we are. . Our mother is the most loving and kind-hearted person that I have ever known. To have been raised by her is to know what it means to have been loved unconditionally. Thank-you, Mom, for all that you are. You will always be my inspiration. . Love, Your daughter, Cathy. . [Written by CPM, May 2010]. . -- -- -- -- --

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Betty Ruth Stevens Porter's memorial?
Betty Ruth Stevens Porter's memorial is located at: Reno Cemetery, Cumberland, Cass County, USA.
When did Betty Ruth Stevens Porter death?
Betty Ruth Stevens Porter death on 8 Apr 2014 in Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Betty Ruth Stevens Porter's memorial?
Latitude: 41.2009520
Longitude: -94.8886050

Family Members:

Parent

Minnie Catherine Stevens Judy

(1909 - 1999)

Spouse

Ross Joseph Porter

(1924 - 2009)

Children

Richard Allen “Rick” Porter

(1948 - 2010)

Robert Luther Porter

(1956 - 1976)

Flowers:

EASTER SUNDAY Prayer: Teach me, Lord, to be more like my mother, because she is more like You, than anyone I have ever known.

Left by Anonymous on 20 Apr 2014

In memory of one of the nicest, most genuine, and honest people I have ever met.

Left by Anonymous on 16 May 2014

MEMORIAL DAY, 2014: In remembrance of Betty Porter.

Left by Anonymous on 26 May 2014

Left by Anonymous on 04 Jun 2014

Left by Anonymous on 07 Jul 2014

(In rememberance of a wonderful lady!)....

Left by Anonymous on 16 Jul 2014

Memories and thoughts of you will last throughout the lives of those you have touched, the nicest human I have ever known.

Left by Anonymous on 27 Aug 2014

1949: Betty (Stevens) Porter, and newborn babe. "She was the most loving mother that any child could ever have."

Left by Anonymous on 27 Nov 2015

2017: MEMORIAL DAY.

Left by Anonymous on 30 May 2017

IRIS FLOWERS, at the old Joplin Homeplace. In loving memory, of Betty STEVENS Porter.

Left by Anonymous on 07 Aug 2018

Betty is a direct descendant of Mayflower Pilgrim William Brewster through her Stevens / Childers / Hopkins / Rudd / Brewster ancestry. Her ancestral line can be traced generation-by-generation, in the book, JOHN HOPKINS AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS.

Left by Anonymous on 06 Aug 2019

COLLIER SINGING CATS! In Loving Memory of Betty Ruth (Stevens) Porter), who dearly loved cats!

Left by Anonymous on 29 Oct 2021

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Reno Cemetery
Cumberland, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2009520, -94.8886050

2. Saint Timothy Cemetery
Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1880989, -94.8619995

3. Newlons Grove Cemetery
Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2397003, -94.9372025

4. Weirich Cemetery
Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2146988, -94.9655991

5. Greenwood Cemetery
Cumberland, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2668991, -94.8921967

6. Noble Center Cemetery
Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2014008, -94.9858017

7. Saint Johns UCC Cemetery
Lyman, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2160988, -94.9839020

8. Lincoln Center Cemetery
Lincoln Center, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1161003, -94.8814011

9. Old East Cemetery
Grant, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1444016, -94.9792023

10. Douglas Township Cemetery
Grant, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1360933, -94.9752558

11. Grant Cemetery
Grant, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1405983, -94.9906006

12. Victoria Cemetery
Massena, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1990013, -94.7580032

13. Saint Patricks Cemetery
Massena, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2538986, -94.7755966

14. Indian Burial Ground
Douglas Township, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0972116, -94.9752628

15. Strand Cemetery
Corning, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0730000, -94.9100000

16. Franklin Lutheran Cemetery
Wiota, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3300018, -94.8499985

17. Massena Cemetery
Massena, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.2916985, -94.7583008

18. Mount Etna Cemetery
Mount Etna, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1110000, -94.7465000

19. Old Mount Etna Cemetery
Carbon, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1222088, -94.7280301

20. Norway Center Cemetery
Norway Center, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.3458000, -94.8635000

21. Thompson Cemetery
Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0527000, -94.9161000

22. Mortons Mill Cemetery
Morton Mills, Montgomery County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0793991, -95.0085983

23. Lowman Cemetery
Griswold, Cass County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1594009, -95.0886002

24. Forest Hill Cemetery
Mount Etna, Adams County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1013985, -94.7157974