Betty Moore Obituary

Betty Moore passed away peacefully on Dec. 4 surrounded by family. Betty was a well-known educator for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District where she was committed to students and mentoring and supporting teachers. Mid-career as a teacher, she was selected by school Superintendent Chuck Smith to participate in the first mentoring program for women to become school principals. She served as principal at Fort Wainwright and Pearl Creek elementary schools. She finished her career as assistant superintendent for elementary education. In 1988 she was awarded the Outstanding Principal of the Year for Alaska by U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett in Washington, D.C.
Betty was born Nov. 25, 1934, in DeKalb, Illinois, to Marion and Louise Whittaker, both of whom were educators. She was raised along the coast of western Oregon and upon finishing high school she headed to Fairbanks to attend the University of Alaska.
Looking across the campus square she spotted Walter Stevens, Han Gwitchin from Eagle, and told her friend, "I'm going to marry him," even though they still had not met. They married in 1954. Betty and Walt had four kids. Walt graduated in civil engineering, and Betty completed two years of college. They moved to Anchorage and after a tragic accident that took Walt's life, Betty moved back to Fairbanks to complete her education at the University of Alaska. One person shared, "We were told to watch out for Betty, who was starting school here at UA. She'll be coming here with four small children. And everyone did help out while she attended school." She and her kids lived on campus. She juggled studies, feeding her kids, finding babysitters and adjusting to a new life. Betty was hired by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and taught third and fifth grade at University Park for a number of years before advancing in her career and the school district. During that time some students may remember her as Mrs. Johnson or Mrs. Farni. While she was principal at Pearl Creek School, one thing that was important to her was to know the name of each child in her school.
After retirement Betty married Ralph Moore, a friend for over 45 years. They lived in Walden and Johnstown, Colorado, Fairbanks, and finally Anchorage. Betty is survived by her children Becky (Tim) Waggoner, Kathy (Clyde) Mayo, Jim (Mary Ann) Stevens and Brian (Barb) Stevens; niece Sophia Rustad (Jim), who was like a daughter, and many nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Alyssa (Scott) Pulice, Joe (Christy) Waggoner, Ashly (Chad) Young, Jon Waggoner, Charlie Mayo, Clyde (Amelia) Mayo Jr., Amy (Aaron) Debruhl, Janine, Kristen and Tyler Stevens, Kris (Chad) Roberts, Jennifer (Kevin) Peterman, Dara (Scott) Doran, and Erika (Kaui) Enomoto; great-grandchildren, Ashlynn and Olivia Pulice, Mike, Abby and Wyatt Waggoner, Lexon, Harlan and Raelyn Young, Eli and Charlee Mayo, Ella Roberts, Brayden and Tyler Deweese, Kyana Doran, and Mehana and Kawai Enomoto.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard and Robert Whittaker, and her husbands Walter Stevens and Ralph Moore.
A funeral will be held at 2?p.m. Dec. 28 at University Presbyterian Church. A reception will immediately follow in the Binkley Room at Pike Lodge, where we hope her former students and many friends will join us and share their favorite memories of her. We are grateful to the staff and caregivers at the Fairbanks Pioneer Home.
Online condolences can be made to the family at blanchardfamilyfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily News-Miner on Dec. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Moore

Sponsored by Blanchard Family Funeral Home - Fairbanks.

10 Entries

Percy and Eleanor

Planted Trees

Teresa Miller

April 27, 2022

I just read this obituary of a wonderful teacher who was a part of my grade school days at University Park Elementary School.

I was a student at University Park in the mid 60´s and early 70´s.
I remember Mrs. Johnson as such a kind and loving person. I smile when I remember her.

She taught two of my brothers.
Although she was never my teacher, I saw her often at school and I always felt happy to be in her presence. I remember that she was always smiling!

I offer my condolences and prayers to her family. She was a special lady!

Teresa (Williams) Miller
Fairbanks, AK

Suzanne Richards

April 24, 2022

To The Family of Betty,

I just read, in today's newspaper, (4-24-22) of Betty's passing. I took time to pause and reflect on Betty and my connection with her. She babysat my sister (Sandy) when I was born. My mom would tell of her gratitude to Betty for that gift. Betty was also the Principal at Pearl Creek when my oldest, Amie, started kindergarten. Later, mom came to visit me and stayed with Betty. I also remember visiting Betty with my mother-in-law, Jean Graves, when Betty lived downtown. I brought my young children along with me and Betty was so kind to them. So, Betty was wrapped in my life in many ways and I honor her memory. I am sending my deepest thoughts of sympathy for your loss and my best regards to reflect on a life that touched so many. Thinking of you all, Suzanne

Lesa (O'Brien) Meath

February 12, 2022

Sending our condolences to the family of a most beloved teacher. My sister and I both had "Mrs. Johnson" as we knew her at old U Park. She made an imprint on many upholding high standards. Later when I became a teacher myself and spent a semester as a substitute, Betty would often call me to work at Pearl Creek. She had a sparkle in her eye, always gave a warm greeting & inquiring about our family, even when spans of time would go by without seeing her. Fond memories of a special lady.

Katie Shira

January 4, 2022

Our families have been intertwined since our parents´ college days at the University of Alaska in the 1950s. I have many, many fond memories of growing up with Becky, Kathy, Jim and Brian.

While I never had Betty as a teacher, she has forever been a mentor, who had the right words, at the right time, which helped me get my first teaching job.

I remember during my third grade year, when we were out in the portables at Old UPark, Betty came down with what was called the Hong Kong Flu Outbreak(as did many in Fairbanks) right before Christmas Break. My mother substituted for her, and when we would go home at the end of the day, all Mom could do was sit and try to find energy to finish the day with four kids and a husband waiting for attention, supper, etc.

Right then and there, all of us Neidholds gained an amazing respect for Betty, and her never-ending energy and enthusiasm for her chosen profession.

As her spirit soars among the stars, I pray that all the Stevens kids and their families hold their memories close and celebrate the life well-lived of their mother, a woman well-loved by many in our community, throughout Alaska and the world.

Mary Short

December 28, 2021

Weather has prevented me from offering my condolences personally. Ms Moore was an educator I looked up to and learned from. See will be missed.

Eddie Hebert

December 27, 2021

She will be missed. She was my 5th grade teacher at UPark; back then she was Mrs. Farni. I met her again at Chester Park a few years back. Very nice lady and always with a smile, very generous, and kind words.

Jenny Bell

December 27, 2021

My condolences to all the family. You are in my prayers at this time.

Chick Wallace

December 27, 2021

So sorry to learn of Betty's passing. I always thought a lot of her. Time has a way of diming events, but I believe Betty and I served on a committee some years ago. May the Lord bless you, give you strength and in this time of grief.

December 22, 2021

May God´s loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4

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