Betty J. Stooks

Betty Jean Redd Stooks

Betty Jean was born on Thursday November 1, 1928, in Little Rock Arkansas the first child of Eva Phillips Redd and Harry Redd. She was raised in Little Rock and attended schools there. On February 4, 1949, she was united in marriage to Bernard F. Stooks Sr. in Benton Arkansas. They had 4 children and raised their family on Hazard Rd in Marcy NY. When they retired, she and Bernard Sr. moved to Long Hammock Blvd. River Ranch in Florida. Betty passed away peacefully on Thursday May 19, 2022, at The Villages Hospital in Florida, her daughter-in-law Karen Fox was at her side.

Betty worked at the Marcy Psychiatric Center and later owned and operated the Marcy Tavern with her husband Bernard Sr. She was a mother, wife, homemaker, sister, daughter, aunt and treasured friend to many. She enjoyed taking her kids to the Ice Capades, Catskill Game Farm, shows and outdoor drive-in movies. Mom made life fun and loved adventures, some of her favorites were Hawaii, Marti Gras, European tour in 2019, annual vacations on the St Lawrence River with Judy and her family, trips to Arkansas, California and Colorado. She also liked day trips to area attractions and events with her adult kids. She made annual trips with Judy or Karen to the New York State Fair to see the Butter Sculpture and farm animals, it was a highlight of her NY Fall. She watched nature wherever she went. She loved the Rodeo and petting coral at River Ranch. Charlie the peacock was a favorite. She often watched deer and birds especially hummingbirds. She was happiest at a party or any gathering with people and loved to play board and table games like Mexican Train dominoes, bingo, poker and pitch. A favorite place was the St. Lawrence River where she and Bernard Sr. owned a camp at Schermerhorn Landing. She rode motorcycles with her son Bernie and a friend from River Ranch. Betty jet skied on the St. Lawrence River at the age of 88! She loved boats and boating with her son Joe it was a highlight of any trip to see him.

She was predeceased by her parents Louise and Harry, in-laws Franklin & Helen Stooks, her husband Bernard Sr. (2003), her brother Bud and her sisters and brother’s in-law: Allen & Elizabeth Humphrey, Matilda Stooks, Gerald Proulx, George Stooks, David & Nancy Carey, Franklin & Theresa Stooks, Benjamin Byland.

She is survived by her children Karen D. Stooks and wife Maryann Catallo of Pittsford NY, Bernard F Stooks Jr. and wife Karen Fox of The Villages FL, Joseph D. Stooks and wife Bessie of Heathsville VA and Judith M. Giehl and husband Mark of Marcy NY. 12 grandchildren Chris, Jason, Jared, Jenna, Megan, Marissa, Bernard III, Brendon, Daniel, Lisa, Adam, Hannah, 10 great grandchildren, her sister Joyce Moore, sisters-in-law Frances Redd, Harriet Byland, Kathy & David Cottrell, Geraldine Stooks, many nieces and nephews and her cherished friends Mary Rita, Ann, Barbara and Doc. She adored and loved her dog Susie who could be found snuggled under a blanket on Betty’s lap most of the time. Anyone interested in donating funds should consider their Humane Society or a Chihuahua rescue to honor her loving companion of 12 years, Susie.

Graveside services will be held Sunday July 10th at 6pm, Carr Cemetery, Route 291, Marcy NY 13403. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and stories afterwards at the Leon R. Roberts American Legion Post 161 in Holland Patent NY 13354.

Mom we will miss your undying love for life and our family, your smiles and laughter, sparkly eyes, kindness, and your sense of adventure. We were blessed to love you for ninety-three and a half years. Fly on angel’s wings, go in peace with God until we meet again.