Betty Charles

I'm Betty Jo (Dody) Rhodes Hartsfield Pelton Charles. I was born in Dora, N.M. on July 18, 1926. I am the youngest of 12 children of William Hartwell Arnolphus Rhodes and Aletha Lorena Smith. I am survived by one sister, Billie Jean Rhodes Barton. In 1946, I married William Grant Hartsfield. We became the proud parents of Jack Lane and William Rhodes Hartsfield. My first husband preceded me in death, and in 1953, I married William Paul Pelton. We were blessed with a daughter, Paula Louise Pelton. In 1973, I took the opportunity to move to Lahaina, Hawaii where I enjoyed 12 years working and living on Maui. In 1985, I moved home to Las Cruces and married my long-time friend, John Oliver (J.O.) Charles. We became a blended family, adding four more sons, Henry Allan, John Oliver, James Edger and William Lee Charles. Gladly, I worked with J. O. in the operation of the Charles Pecan Farm. I was preceded in death by my husband J. O. In addition, I am survived by numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grand children. I leave behind many wonderful friends who are invited to join my family at the memorial service that will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 in the La Paz-Grahams Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88001. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 88005.