Biography: Betty Harding Lyons, age 81, of Little Rock, died September 20, 2007. She was born in Thomaston, Maine, September 15, 1926, one of seven children of Gladys (Long) and John Harding. Her parents, her first husband, Winthrop Brainerd, and her sister, Phyllis Rosay precede her in death. She lived in the Newtons outside of Boston, Mass., graduated Newton High School and attended Boston University. She moved to Little Rock, Arkansas after marrying on March 20, 1954. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Maxwell “Mac” Lyons, II; her daughters, Nancy Kimpel and husband Bill, Cathryn Wills and husband Jim, Juliet Compton and husband Drew, and Sally Wyatt and husband Keith; nine beloved grandchildren, to whom she is known as Meme, Lauren Kimpel, Kyle Kimpel and wife Jenni; Rob, Whitney, & Leigh Wills; Maxwell “Mac” and Henry Compton; Pierce and Dillon Wyatt; and her much loved sister-in-law Mary Harberg. She is also survived by her siblings, John Harding, Claire Richardson and husband Elliot, Ann Doyle and husband Bob, Brad Harding and wife Linda, Richard Harding and wife Lynda. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She was past president of the Ouachita Girl Scout Council and was selected to its Hall of Fame. She served on the board of Family Service Agency for 12 years, and also worked with Red Cross and PTA. She was a member of DAR and founding member and past President of Bas Bleu. She belonged to Congregation B'nai Israel and, as a member of its Caring and Sharing Committee, wrote birthday and anniversary cards for many years to Temple members. Thanks to all those who made her last years easier especially her private caregivers, Gwen Luster, Lori Garcia and Cindy Neal. Thanks also to the staff at St Vincent ICU and Hospice Home Care Inpatient Unit. There will be a celebration of Betty’s life with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 24, 2007, at Temple B’Nai Israel, officiated by Rabbi Eugene Levy. Burial will follow in Oakland Jewish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ouachita Girl Scout Council, the Salene and Maxwell Lyons Family Scholarship Fund at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Temple B’Nai Israel, or a favorite charity. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
I am so sorry for your loss. So many wonderful comments here. I remember Betty laughing when I thanked her for letting you spend so much time with us at Red Cross. I think she was very proud of all of the accomplishments of her family and especially of you. My deepest condolances for the entire family.
Alan