Judith Bettis

1943 - 2024

Judith Bettis

Hartford, VT - Judy (Burke) Bettis, 81, died unexpectedly with her daughter Vicky by her side, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Judy was born on February 7, 1943 in Windsor, Vermont, a daughter of Pauline Proulx Burke and Martin Lloyd Burke. She graduated from Windsor High School in 1961. After graduation she worked at Cone Automatic Machine Company before beginning her lifelong, 30 year career at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, NH. She was one of the original members of the Board of Directors of the Cradle & Crayon Childcare Center. She received several awards and recognitions over her time in these positions including the CRREL Federal Women's Program Support Award, CRREL Award for Equal Employment Opportunity, the CRREL Administrative Support Award and an Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.

In addition to working full time, raising a family and working on the family farm, Judy served as a longtime town representative, Vice Chair of the Town of Hartford Planning Commission, Chair and Vice Chair of the Town of Hartford Board of Selectmen and served as Vice Chair and member of the State of Vermont Transportation Board.

Judy loved to garden, read books and enjoyed watching wildlife along the banks of their river front home. She was incredibly proud of all three of her grandchildren, she enjoyed attending their sporting events and being a part of their adventures over the years. Judy traveled the United States with Bob in their pick up truck and camper, enjoying county fairs, visiting friends and sightseeing along the way. She had pre-made meals, quarters for laundry, and all camping gear at the ready so they could leave at a moment's notice when Bob announced their next trip. Judy was called home to the heavens just 8 weeks after her husband Bob, which must mean that he had somehow gotten himself into some trouble above, which required her expertise to untangle. While her family misses her desperately, there is solace and peace knowing that Judy and Bob are back together again.

Judy was preceded in death by her longtime husband and best friend of 60 years, Robert "Bob" Bettis in August 2024. Judy is survived by Daughter, Vicky (Bettis) Trombly and husband, Michael; grandsons Tyler and Weston Trombly; Daughter Wendy (Bettis) Nelson and husband Carl; granddaughter Amanda Nelson. Judy is also survived by siblings; sister Beverly Burke; brother Dwight Burke; sister Pam (John) White and many wonderful nieces, nephews and many great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her older brother Paul (Joyce) Burke.

There will be a joint celebration of life to honor both Judy & Bob Bettis on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Lebanon NH Elks Club, Lebanon Lodge, BPOE 2099, 150 Heater Road, Lebanon, NH 03766. There will be sharing of memories at 1:00 pm, refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, Judy would have appreciated donations made in her honor to the Hartford Library, P.O. Box 512, Hartford, VT 05047.