Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Niece, Aunt and Friend, loved by all, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Valentine Watkins was born August 20th,1928 to Joseph and Mary Valentine. Betty was an amazing person and an inspiration to all who knew her. Full of love, patience, humor, and joy, she was always interested in others and wanted to know what she could do for them. She will be remembered for her kindness, positive attitude, stellar work ethic and her love for others, especially the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Betty was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being baptized at the age of 16. She served in many positions and led and directed numerous people in her times of service. She has often been referred to by those she influenced as the best Mutual President who ever lived! She served in Primary, Mutual, Relief Society and was an amazing and dedicated visiting teacher (Ministering Sister).

Activity was a substantial part of Betty's life. She loved camping, boating, skiing, roller skating, ice skating and all water sports. She was a Red Cross Swim instructor for many years and inspired those she taught to become teachers themselves. Many people in the Soda Springs area can remember their outstanding swim lessons from Betty. She also taught swim aerobics for many years and was an expert line dancer and teacher. She was known for being the champion leg wrestler and could beat all her grandchildren until recently. Betty was known for her spunky nature; she was always up for any activity and could run circles around almost everyone she met.

Betty met the love of her life Marvin L. Watkins when she was growing up in Conda, Idaho. Marvin was smitten at first site, trying to kiss her, but she was not impressed and ran away from him, lost her shoe in a mud puddle, and it was run over by her mother. She later married Marvin in Malad, Idaho and they were later sealed in the Logan, Utah temple.

Being a mother brought great joy to Betty and she had 3 children: Vickie (Lynne) Stoor, Conrad (Teresa) Watkins and JoLene (Lewis) Humbert. She was an inspiration and joy to her 12 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren. What a great legacy of love, commitment, and honor she has left behind.

We know Betty was greeted by her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, her sweetie Marvin, mom Mary, dad Joseph and stepfather John, two grandchildren – Lance Jay Lish and Conrad Thomas Jr. –and great-grandchild, Tyson Jade Lopez, her sister Margaret Whitworth and brother Joseph Valentine. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on June 16, 2023.

Services will be held on Monday, June 26th at 12:00pm at the Hooper LDS Chapel. The family will meet at 10:00am, with a viewing from 10:30-11:30am. Condolences can be sent to the family at simsfh.com. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs. Services are under the direction of Sims Funeral Home. A luncheon will be held in the cultural hall following the interment.