Bettie Hyer

Bettie Barker Hyer, 79, of Kaysville, Utah passed away on February 6, 2013. She was born October 18, 1933 in Boulder City, Nevada, to Bazil Orrin Barker and Hazel Ida Henrie. Her early years were spent in Fairview, Utah. They moved to Logan, Utah when she was in the fourth grade and graduated from Logan High School in 1951. She entered Utah State University, majoring in Art and minoring in speech. This was where she met her sweetheart, Blaine Hyer. She graduated in June and they were married in the Logan Temple, June 9, 1955. They moved to Clearfield where they lived for two years. Blaine finished his degree and Bettie taught second grade at Clearfield Elementary. They built their home in Kaysville in 1960 and put down their roots. They had six children but lost an infant son, Jed. After raising their children, Bettie returned to teaching school at Knowlton Elementary in Farmington for twelve years. Bettie and Blaine served a mission in the Mississippi Jackson Mission and later served a mission at the LDS Visitors Center in Cody, Wyoming. She served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including Ward Relief Society President, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Stake Young Women’s President, ordinance worker in the Bountiful Utah Temple and was a diligent Visiting Teacher.
Bettie enjoyed her association with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and members of her Literary Club. She had a love for performing in plays, giving readings and creating beauty in her yard. Bettie’s passion was art and it was her way of interacting with others. She would often invite others to critique her most recent painting while encouraging them to develop their own talents and interests. She taught many of her grandchildren to love art as well and they often sought her help and guidance on art projects or simply added to their file of drawings that she kept for them. In recent years she thoroughly enjoyed painting with a group of friends that shared her art interests.
Bettie was known for her quick wit and positive outlook. She had the sweet ability to see and bring out the good in others and believed that people could grow, change and overcome. She was not one to give up on an individual. She had a wonderful mix of teaching tools. She would ask a thought provoking question, share a story, give an example, plant a seed. It was fun to search and learn with her while solving life’s challenges and seeking understanding. She listened well, shared her counsel, made suggestions and offered ideas to her children, grandchildren and others. She always brought healing, clarity and hope.
Bettie is survived by her husband, Blaine, five children, Lynne (Rex) Thompson, Drew Hyer, Leigh Burk, Ann (Darren) Barker, Dana (Brent) Whiting, 22 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Eleen (Alden) Rigby, LaVere (Lunella) Barker and Bill (Diane) Barker. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant son, Jed Alan Hyer.
Funeral services will be held at the Kaysville 13th Ward building, 875 East 200 North, Kaysville, on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street in Farmington. There will be an additional viewing on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her name to the LDS General Missionary Fund.