Betty Carpenter

Betty Sue Carpenter passed away peacefully on Friday June 7, 2024, of causes related to age, at home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was under the care of a thoughtful and attentive team composed of the professionals at Fairwinds, Alliance and Brio hospice, her husband Stuart Carpenter and her loving family. Betty is and will always be admired as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, United Methodist Women’s leader and dedicated Edgemont librarian.

Betty was born in 1932, in Rayville, Louisiana . Her family relocated to Natchitoches where she attended elementary school through college on a single campus. Betty found countless opportunities to explore while attending Northwestern State University, including joining Theta Sigma Upsilon, and the Purple Jackets Club (a longest-established honor club to be organized on campus) while also holding office for the Wesley Foundation, her campus’ Panhellenic council and the Davis Players (the longest-established dramatic organization on campus).

An avid reader, student and devout Methodist, she went on to complete her education with a Masters of Religious Education from Boston University in 1956. During her years in Boston, Betty held an internship in conjunction with Harvard University where she counseled other Methodist students and was destined to meet her husband and soul mate, Stuart Carpenter.

As Betty’s time in Boston was coming to an end, Stuart recognized this intelligent, remarkable, beautiful woman was who he wanted to build a future with and quickly proposed. They wed in 1956, and welcomed their first son, Ralph in 1957. Betty and Stuart continued to enjoy honeymoon bliss as job opportunities landed them in California in 1958.

As a young mother, Betty also worked as a college youth group director in San Fernando Valley. During her time in California, Betty and Stuart grew their family by welcoming two more boys, Glen and Bruce, and two girls, Sarah and Susan.

In 1968, the family of seven transplanted to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Betty would go on to serve as the elementary school librarian for Edgemont for many years and the couple would cherish their long life together.

In retirement, Betty and Stuart would travel the 49 continental states in their RV and devote their time and attention to their grandchildren. After years of her relishing her joys of reading, sewing, knitting, family tent camping, volunteering at her church, the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen and family, Betty and Stuart settled at Fairwinds in Idaho Falls to enjoy a life of comfort and well-deserved support.

Betty is survived by husband, Stuart; three sons, Ralph, Glen and Bruce Carpenter; two daughters, Sarah Harvey and Susan Haver; 11 grandchildren, Morgan Steacy, Kelsey Daisley, David Harvey, Eleanor Harvey, Elizabeth Baessler, Genevieve Duddy, Rachel Haver, Sarah Haver, Jack Carpenter, James Carpenter, and Madaline Carpenter; nine great grandchildren and her brother, David H. Boydstun.

She was preceded in death by her father Jackson Boydstun Sr., mother Bernice (Hill) Boydstun, sister, Nelwyn Poole and brother, Jackson Boydstun Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024, at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 1730 St Clair Rd, Idaho Falls, ID 83404

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen or a non-profit of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.