Betty Ann Tronjo Baars

Betty Baars Obituary

BETTY ANN TRONJO BAARS
1924-2008

Betty Ann Tronjo Baars went home to be with the LORD on August 17, 2008, at the home of her daughter Frauna Swanson. All of her children were with her the day of her death. She was born April 24, 1924 in Liberty, MO to Lawrence F. and Lula McComas Tronjo; the older sister of Martha Walker. Betty and her former husband Theo Dunwody Baars, Jr. are survived by their children LuAime (Don) Pope, Frauna (Spencer) Swanson, Theo III (Jenny) Baars, Peyton (Andrew) Slagle, and Bryan Baars; grandchildren Brent (Lauren) and Flint Pope; Chip (Courtney), Stephen (Anna) Swanson; and Kristen (Stuart) West; Mary Ellison and Theo IV Baars. Miriam, Don Henry (Julie), Anna Kathryn, and Ruth Slagle; great-granddaughter Georgia Swanson; her nephew Chris (Patt) Walker, great-nephews Matt, Scott, and Bryan Walker, great-niece Marti Walker.
Betty's God-given gift for music was apparent at the early age of six when she began to play piano, hearing music, and then playing by ear. She was later taught to read music at age eight. After receiving first place at thirteen in the state piano competition, she won the national piano competition in Colorado Springs at fourteen. Betty attended William Jewell for one year on a piano scholarship. She continued her education after auditioning and then studying piano with a contemporary of Horowitz's at the Kansas City Conservatory. Her goal was to be a concert pianist.
After marrying Theo, she moved to Pensacola in 1946, continuing to share her musical gifts with the community. She was the guest pianist for the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Betty was the organist for twenty-three years at Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church, after teaching herself to play the organ.
Betty was known in the community for her hospitality, frequently entertaining over fifty guests for sit down holiday dinners. Her servant's heart and love of adventure even lead her to take pilot lessons to help support the war effort in WWII.
Betty was an avid reader, golfer, sailor, bridge player, and knitter. Betty served the community as the President of Community Concerts, a volunteer for the speech and hearing impaired, St. Christopher's altar guild, and the junior league.
Betty loved extravagantly, laughed easily, always celebrating life and those God put in her path. Her legacy is rich. She was loved deeply and will be deeply missed.
Her celebration service will Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 1:30 PM at Saint Christopher's Church with a reception following the service.
Remembrances may be made to Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave. Pensacola, Fl 32503 or Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Ave. Pensacola, Fl 32504
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.

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

Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Aug. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Baars

7 Entries

Dorothy Balsley

September 2, 2008

To the family of Betty and Theo Baars: I just learned of the passing of Betty & Theo. I remember all the great times we had at the beach house while we were living in Pensacola. After we moved back to Raytown, Mo., we lost touch with all of you. George passed away just this past May 27, 2008. You all have my deepest sympathy.
Love to you all, Dorothy Balsley

Dickie Carr

August 28, 2008

It took a week before I heard about the passing of Betty. Living in New Orleans, sometimes it takes that long for the news to get to me. My dear buddies, Bryan and Teddy, what can I say, it's unbelievable that both Theo and Betty passed so close together. Love all of you, you were very dear to me and The Carr Family loves you all. Dickie Carr in New Orleans

Patti Boggs

August 26, 2008

Bryan,
Your mother was an elegant and kind lady, and will be so missed by her fellow parishoners at St. Christopher's. I usually sat close to the two of you on Sundays and will miss her sweet and welcoming smile. May God be with you and the the rest of her family, during your grief.

Bob Balink

August 25, 2008

To Teddy, LuAnn, Frauna,. Peyton and Bryan,

Your mother will be missed by everyone who knew her. For the last 40 years (including the last 26 since we moved away from Pensacola) I could not let a year go by without calling your mom to say hello and getting an complete update about her children and grandchildren whom she loved so dearly.

She was a remarkable women of grace and compassion. I will be eternally grateful for warm hospitality shown to me by your mom and dad since I arrived to join the faculty at the University of West Florida in 1968.

I hope to visit with each of you again soon.

Jerry Gillmore

August 22, 2008

You will be missed by many, it was a pleasure to have known you these many years. Sleep in peace.
Jerry Gillmore

Dorothy Diane Baars

August 22, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and children of a wonderful woman in your time of sorrow. Betty was a special friend to me and my late husband Frank Ellison Baars. We had wonderful dinners together and I have very fond memories of her. She will greatly missed.

Paul Lewis

August 22, 2008

A fine Lady. Thanks to her and her late husband for all they did for the Pensacola area. God Bless

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results