Betty Hawkins
“Betty” (Mary Elizabeth) Hawkins of Tipton, 83, died peacefully surrounded by her family at 9:45 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2020.
Betty was born May 5, 1937 in Tipton County to Clarence Raymond and Mary Gertrude Ripberger. Betty shared 52 years of marriage to Bill Hawkins until his passing in 2010. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and an Associate member of Sister’s of St Joseph. Betty worked for the Sister’s of St. Joseph for 26 years as the Conference Center Coordinator. She never grew tired of her work with the Sisters. Betty loved her faith, her family, and music. She played the organ and piano for the church for a span of 50 years. She also played for the Conference Center all her years working there. Betty loved going on excursions with her daughters, playing cards with everyone, living on the farm and raising llamas with her husband, Bill, and being a lifelong resident of Tipton.
Betty is survived by three daughters and one son, Tracey (Devon) Wilkins, Marianne Hawkins, Katrina (Curt) Wright, Doug (Antonina) Hawkins. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and one on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, and her 6 siblings and their spouses, Donnie and Phil Myers, Rosemary and Bob Comer, Bud and Jody Ripberger, Jim and Thelma Ripberger, Pat and Ann Ripberger, Richard and Mary Lou Ripberger.
A funeral Mass for Betty will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Fr. Dennis Goth presiding. Burial will follow at St John’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Young-Nichols Funeral Home where the rosary will be recited at 7:00.
Memorial contributions in Betty’s honor may be made to the Building Fund at St. John’s, 339 Mill Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
With heartfelt sadness, I am extending my deepest condolences to each and everyone who is grieving the loss of such a wonderful, kind and loving person. She was always surrounded by the endless love of her beautiful family. Betty leaves us with fond memories that will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace sweet Betty.
For many years, the Hawkins family were neighbors of my family when we all lived out in the country east of town. As a child, I always thought Mrs. Hawkins was such a wonderful, kind and lovely person. She and Bill were long time friends to my parents. When I became an adult, however, Mrs. Hawkins then became Betty, and my friend as well. I always enjoyed talking to her and always made a point to spend time with her after Mass when I was there to catch up on things and to share news of our families. Those moments have now become treasured memories to add to my treasured childhood memories of Betty, Bill and all the Hawkins kids, especially time spent on their farm. I never knew Betty Hawkins to not have a smile on her face or happiness in her voice when she saw you. There aren’t too many people in this world who bring joy into a room just by entering it. Betty was one of those people. I will always feel blessed and fortunate to say that I knew her.
I wish all the Hawkins children and grandchildren peace and comfort in the days that lie ahead. May all your shared treasured memories of your mom/grandmother bring you great joy as the years go by. She left this world well loved after living a life well lived.
What a loving, beautiful woman our Betty was!! We Sisters of St. Joseph we so, so blessed to have her as an important part of our lives. She was gracious, generous, and loving, and we will miss her and remember her always with great love, gratitude, and affection! l
My sympathy goes out to all the Hawkins & Ripberger family.
Betty was a wonderful lady and always so friendly. I remember many 4-H meetings & fairs as well as some family gatherings.
Remember the good times & the love she had for her family. Prayers!
Betty was a wonderful lady! Our condolences to all of her family. God bless.
Charlie and Dayna Ferguson
Betty was one in million. So kind, so easy going, so selfless.. she gave her all in everything she did.. my memories of her at the Motherhouse in Tipton are unmeasureable. Her smiles contagious. She will always have a place in my heart. Be at Peace, Betty. You have earned it. Known to you as “Marsie”.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She will always remain in your heart and always be remembered. My mother passed away in 2018 and not a day goes by that I remember something special about her.
Doug, I am sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
Hello Doug, it is difficult to know what to say at this time, I just send you a big hug and I accompany you in this pain.
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time.
Our sympathies for your loss. We always enjoyed her beautiful talent playing the piano and organ for the church services and greatly appreciated her sharing her gift. It was always touching to see her children and grandchildren joining her in worship through music. May you all find peace and comfort through your many shared memories.
Sincerely,
The Kirchner Family
Doug – Please accept my heartfelt condolences. No matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose a parent. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracey, Marianne, Katrina and Doug…..so many wonderful memories of time with this wonderful family… spending the night with bestie Tracey …time at the lake together. your Mom along with mine were the Best… thoughts, prayers and hugs to all ..