of Little Rock, AR
December 17, 1933 - September 13, 2023
Betty Sue Caruthers, 89, of Little Rock passed away on September 13, 2023. She was born on December 17, 1933 in the small town of Floyd, Arkansas to Randall and Vera Perry. She was an only child and was adored by her parents.
Her father owned the General Store in Floyd and she spent much of her spare time "helping out" in that store. She had many happy memories of that time.
She attended Beebe High School, where she was a cheerleader and member of all the clubs she could join. She had many friends and was always a favorite among them.
She met her husband, James, who was also from Floyd, when they were young and they began dating when they were teenagers. He was three years older and left to go to Harding College in Searcy and then joined the Airforce. They always remained sweethearts during that time. He took leave from the Airforce to come home to Arkansas and they were married in a little church in Quitman, Arkansas on April 19th, 1953, when she was 19 and he was 22. They headed to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio for the next few years. She got a job as a telephone operator and really enjoyed that time of her life. She made friends quickly, so being away from home was an adventure. She also had the love of her life by her side. He remained by her side for 56 years of marriage until his death in September, 2009.
They moved to Little Rock after 4 years in the Air Force and bought a house on Meadowbrook Lane. They had 2 children, Suzanne and Scott, who couldn't have asked for better parents. They made childhood fun with trips to see grandparents, trips to the lake and fun family vacations. Many great memories were made. Betty was a working mom with a career as a sales coordinator for 3M Company. She retired from 3M after working at their Little Rock location for over 30 years.
Betty loved being a mother and grandmother. She lost her granddaughter, Kari, to Cystic Fibrosis in 2010. It was devastating, but she was a woman of great faith in God and never doubted that Jim was there in heaven as well to look after their granddaughter. This gave her so much comfort.
When Betty lost the love of her life in 2009, she had to carry on and find a way to live without him. She moved to Foxridge Assisted Living and immediately became a staff favorite. Everyone loved Miss Betty. She joined activities, went on outings and made so many friends. She was lovingly looked after by many wonderful caregivers over the next 14 years. Her family is so grateful to each and every one of them for their amazing kindness and loving care.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Randall and Vera Perry; her husband, James Edward Caruthers and her granddaughter, Kari Caruthers.
She is survived by her children, Suzanne (Barry) and Scott (Paula); 3 grandchildren, Rachel (Chris), Matthew and Melissa (Gary) and 3 great grandchildren, Hunter, Hudson and Nash. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Services will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 9820 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205 on Friday, September 22, 2023. Visitation will begin at 12:30pm. Funeral to follow at 1:30pm. Burial will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander, AR 72002.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Faith United Methodist Church, 9820 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205.
I was shocked to come across this - I thought that Betty had already passed on. She was a sweet little lady and loved Jim. It sounds like she had some grandchildren to dote on - which is great. I wish you and your family well.
Suzanne the service was very sweet. Your mom loved it I'm sure. I'll be praying for you and Scott. May you know God's peace during this difficult time. Love you as always.
My condolences to all Betty’s family who will miss her, especially my good friend Suzanne. I’ve never witnessed more conscientious and dedicated care for a parent. Betty was a blessed woman who was obviously loved by all those whose path she crossed. May she have eternal joy and peace in Heaven!
I was so honored to take care of Ms Betty durning her time with us. She was one of my favorites.. I always looked forward to seeing and spending time with her.. she was always so sassy .. she will forever be in my heart..
Sorry for your loss Suzanne and Barry.
We hope you find comfort knowing Betty is reunited with Jim.
Though I didn’t know Betty, I prayed for her for many years. Suzanne is my sister-in-law. So thankful Betty was well loved and cared for and that her faith carried her through life’s struggles.
Betty was my mother's best friend and my best friend's mother. She was a big part of my life growing up. I remember her fun and cheerful personality. She was always smiling and had an infectious laugh. She was a beautiful petite woman who elegantly carried herself. She was amazing and I will never forget her. I picture Betty and my mom having a wonderful time together once again.