Elizabeth H. Hutton

Elizabeth Henrietta "Betty" Hutton, 84, of Matthews, NC passed away peacefully in the early morning on Monday, January 12, 2026. Betty was born on March 12, 1941 in Long Branch, NJ. Her parents were Marion and Emma Walling, and she had one younger sister named Susan. Betty grew up in the town of Keyport, NJ, surrounded by extended family. Betty, Susan and their cousin Mary were particularly close, growing up one school grade apart and creating wonderful childhood memories. The close bond between Betty, Susan and Mary continued throughout their lives.

Betty was very athletic and enjoyed playing baseball and other sports in her neighborhood. She was an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, often keeping the box score of their games. In high school, Betty joined the Girls' Athletic Association and became very accomplished at bowling. After graduating from Keyport High School in 1959, Betty attended Rider College in Lawrenceville, NJ, where she earned an associate's degree. After graduating from Rider, Betty became a secretary at American Cyanamid in West Windsor, NJ. It was during this time that Betty was invited to an intimate dinner party by her best friend to meet a certain "charming Southerner who's a great cook".

After a six-month whirlwind courtship, Betty married Lonnie Lee Hutton of Texarkana, AR, an Air Force airman who was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base. They were married on June 22, 1963 and enjoyed 59 happy years together.

After their wedding, Betty and Lonnie lived in an apartment in Trenton, NJ. Betty continued working at American Cyanamid while Lonnie completed his military service. Lonnie then earned his bachelor's degree in Music Education at Trenton State College. When Lonnie graduated from TSC, he got a job teaching vocal music at Steinert High School in Hamilton, NJ. Betty and Lonnie purchased their home in Hamilton Square, NJ, where they lived for 40 years.

Their daughter Amy Lynn was born in December 1969, and their son Robert Michael was born in July 1971. Betty became a stay-at-home mom a few months prior to Amy's birth. During her years at home with her children, Betty joined several bowling leagues and earned numerous trophies. She also loved playing bingo, cards, Scrabble, and puzzles.

Betty returned to work when Amy and Rob were teenagers. She worked as a secretary at University Heights Elementary School from 1983 to 2003, where she formed many long-lasting friendships. Betty retired in 2003 and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Betty and Lonnie had eight grandchildren and were amazing, creative, and loving grandparents.

In 2016, Betty and Lonnie moved from Hamilton Square to Mays Landing, NJ, living a block away from her beloved sister Susan and Susan's husband Jon. They enjoyed regular trips to the Borgata and shared time together. After six years in Mays Landing, Betty & Lonnie moved to North Carolina to live with their son Rob and his family in Matthews, NC. A few months later, Amy and her husband Al moved to Monroe, NC.

Lonnie passed away on November 16, 2022. Betty enjoyed the final years of her life living with Rob and his family.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Amy Cousins (Al), and her son, Rob Hutton (Julie). She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Bethany Tilton (Bennett), Samuel Cousins, Annabel Cousins, Thomas Cousins, William Hutton, James Hutton, Elizabeth Hutton, and Luke Hutton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Music Fund of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Monroe, NC at 310 E. Windsor Street, Monroe NC 28112 .