Betty Cree VanPoole Auten

1932 - 2023

Betty Cree VanPoole “Becky” Auten, 90, of Salisbury passed away Monday May 22nd, 2023 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. She was born August 9th, 1932, in Rowan County to the late Freida Edmundson and Baxter Melvin VanPoole. Her mother passed away when Becky was 3, leaving her and siblings Mary Ruth and Gladys Louise in the care of their maternal grandparents from Mills River, NC. She had fond memories of her childhood in Mills River playing with her sisters and tons of cousins that still call the area home. The family moved back to Salisbury permanently due to a job relocation during Becky's early teens. In 1949, Becky graduated from Boyden High School and went to work right away as a bookkeeper for the J.C. Penny store on N. Main Street in Salisbury. She was introduced to her soon-to-be husband Edward Eugene “Gene” Auten by mutual friend Gene Connell, and the two were married December 23rd, 1956. Gene Connell's wife to be was also a Betty “Swaim”, and the foursome stayed best friends for a lifetime. Becky and Gene joined the St. John's Lutheran Church of Salisbury in the early 1960's and remained members until their passing. In 1973, after her children Kevin, Kelly and Kim were born, Becky started a new position with the local H&R Block franchise on N. Main in Salisbury. She recounts being so nervous meeting her first client, that she asked the franchise owner if she could change roles and just be the receptionist. Becky quickly overcame her nervousness and 50 years later, she would be honored nationally by H&R Block for her years of service. She was beloved by clients and colleagues alike and was still employed at the time of her passing. Becky was a true southern lady, known for her quiet demeanor, love of family, independent spirit and the best coconut cake and pecan sandies ever. She loved watching the 1978 series “Dallas” and joked how she would like to be as loved and sweet as “Miss Ellie” from the show. Based on the accolades and testimonies from her family, friends, and numerous clients over the years, we think she nailed that one. She loved her grandchildren and reveled in all their academic and athletic accomplishments over the years. This past fall, her children surprised her with a 90th birthday celebration weekend in Mills River. They visited the old homestead and toured the private family burial grounds high atop a bluff overlooking a beautiful valley. The weekend culminated with a birthday picnic in her honor at the Mills River Baptist Church she attended as a child. Becky took the family to see the old stone steps she used getting into the creek that runs behind the church where baptisms are still held to this day. It was a beautiful memory for all, and the church and grounds are those of a Norman Rockwell painting. In addition to her parents and husband Gene, she was proceeded in death by two sisters (Mary Ruth & Gladys Louise VanPoole) and daughter Kristen Layne Auten. Those left to cherish her memory are son Kevin Auten (Valerie Risner) of Salisbury, daughter Kelly Auten Powlas (husband Barrett ) of Charlotte, daughter Kim Auten Smyth ( husband Duane ) of Statesville and her grandchildren Dylan Auten, Kristen Powlas and Addie & Molly Smyth. Visitation will be held from 4-7p.m. Tuesday May, 30th 2023 at Summersett Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 1p.m. Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Reverend Wayne Cobb and Pastor Lori Carter officiating. Interment will follow at Rowan Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes Street Salisbury, NC 28144; Community Care Clinic of Rowan County, 315-G Mocksville Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144 ; and Rowan Helping Ministries , PO Box 4026, Salisbury, NC 28145. Summersett Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com