Obituary of Betty Freeda Anne Varty

Betty Freeda Anne Varty changed her address from Earth to Heaven on June 7, 2024, at the age of 86 surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Betty was born on Sept. 23, 1937, in Consort, AB to Evelyn and Howard Boyd. She grew up in Consort but spent the majority of her time at the Tainsh dairy farm. Betty married Carl on January 24, 1955, and was his beloved wife for 35 years until his passing in October 1990. They built a life together on the farm northwest of Provost. Betty spent many hours in her garden, on the tractor and in the field.

The light of Betty’s life was her family. She was a devoted and loving mother to her five children, Brian (Glade), Brent (Kim), Gary (Joy), Lynn (Larry), and Valerie (Kelly). All her grandchildren were special to Betty and she welcomed a phone call or a visit at any time. Mourning her loss are grandchildren, Darcy (Amy), Jason (Lindsay), Denelle (Jeff), Matthew (Lisa), Melissa, Mitchell (Randi), Josh (Zarina), Christianne (David), Alex (Tyler), Margaret (James), Cody, Carlea, Ashley (Shaun), and Brad (Kirsty). Betty also deeply loved and was loved by her 14 great-grandchildren.

Betty and Carl travelled to Phoenix every winter for many years. For several years after Carl passed away, she continued to travel south with Valerie and Kelly before deciding to sell the place. In 2000, Betty made a big move and left the farm for a home she built in Provost. There, she busied herself with a new garden and a yard that included a greenhouse built by her oldest grandson. Town life took some adjustment, but her family quickly learned that her door was open and the freezer was always full of treats. The big pink house across from the school became a special place to visit at Christmas, when lights and massive blow-up decorations lit up the corner lot.

Betty loved to garden. Her vegetable patch fed her family, and her flower gardens fed her soul. Even her cabin on the shores of Dillberry Lake had beautiful gardens. Betty spent most of her summers at the lake, where many of her grandkids took swimming lessons, just like their parents. A born leader, she helped gather cabin owners together in an association and started the booth.
Betty loved all sports, especially those played by her kids and grandkids. She was an enthusiastic cheerleader at many hockey and baseball games. Betty spent countless hours at the hockey rink where she was a passionate supporter at the 50/50 table for the Provost Blades.

In her free time, Betty enjoyed giving back to her community. Betty was a member of Town Council for two terms. She served on the Health Foundation, School Board, Communities in Bloom, Eastpark Educational Opportunities Council and the Provost & District Museum association. She spent countless hours volunteering at various events. In 2012, Betty received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee in recognition of her hours of community service.

Betty loved her family and enjoyed hosting family gatherings. Her kindness, generosity and dedication to her family and so many other people, had a profound and lasting impact on all who knew her. She will be missed.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Carl; her sister, Audrey; and her nephew, Marty. She leaves to mourn her five children and their families and the many people she worked with in the community.

A funeral service for Betty will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul McCormick. A private family interment will follow at the Provost Cemetery.

Betty's service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend. The livestream will be available here on the GFH website under Betty's obituary at the time of the service.