Bette T. Gorton

Gorton, Bette T. Age 90, of 1000 Riverview Drive, Rio Rancho, NM, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Lovelace Hospital after a short illness. She married Warren A. Gorton, June 18, 1950 in St. Louis, MO. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a family cruise to Alaska. Mr. Gorton preceded her in death. She and Warren spent most of their life in White Plains, NY before retiring to New Mexico in the eighties. Warren worked for the F.B.I., NY office and received many commendations from his director, J. Edgar Hoover during his 25 year career. Bette taught 4th grade and became the Librarian at Fox Meadows Elementary School in Scarsdale, NY. Bette attended high school in Gashen, IN, attended Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO and graduated from Quincy College, Qincy, IL in 1948 with a Bachelor's Degree in education. Her first teaching job was in a one-room schoolhouse in Ursa, IL. She also received a degree in Library Science from Hunter College, New York City. Bette was a member of Chi Omega National Sorority. She and Warren loved to travel. They took a trip around the world on the Queen Elizabeth, II and traveled extensively thoughout Europe and the United States. They loved the arts and supported the theatre, dance, opera, and music organizations in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque Area. They were also collectors of art, especially Indian Art. Bette was also passionate about quilting and animal rights. Bette was loved by many friends around Rio Rancho and the U.S., and always gave a warm smile and greeting to all she met. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother-in-law, Aldo Grimmer; nephew, Terry Rowell. Bette is survived by a loving famiy including her 98 year old sister, Marian Grimmer, of Quincy, IL; her niece, Barbara Rowell of Quincy, IL; her nephew, David Grimmer and wife Charlotte, of St. Louis, MO; 4 grand nieces and nephews; 8 great-grand nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Bette's honor to High Desert United Methodist Church, 4200 Meadowlark Lane SE, Suite #6, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87124. Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505)892-9920