Betty had the presence of mind to write her own obituary and in following her wishes, we have copied it to share with you all.
It was her time on August 23, 2018. Betty was born in Salem, UT on May 16, 1939 to William Purser and Betty Stewart. She married, had two children, Karen and Tony; divorced. On April 3, 1965 she married the love of her life, Walter Finnas and gained a son, J Randall.
Betty was the 1956 Utah State Roller Skating Queen. She worked for the West Jordan Police Department as a dispatcher then Deseret Detective where she became the first female private detective in UT. Betty was a Psychic and began to study Hypnotherapy which would become her passion and final career. She became a Clinical Hypnotherapist and in addition to her private practice, she became the Utah Board Advisor to the National Hypnotherapy Association, a Certified Hypnotist Examiner in 1983, and president of the ACHE's Board of Directors in 1996. She taught, lectured, and presented at workshops all over the United States and had numerous clients from all walks of life. Betty loved date night with Walter. She enjoyed time with her family and kept in close touch with friends, clients, students and teachers. She strived to be an example of love and service to all. She donated to charities, did service work, and always said prayers for people in need. In her final days she was at peace and told her family she has lived a good life, has seen the world, met thousands of people, and had many beautiful experiences. When asked what the best part of her life has been, she pointed at Walter and said "him". She loved her husband and family unconditionally and was very proud to tell the world she had been married for 53 years and loves him more every day. Betty was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her. Remember to pay attention she will never stop guiding, loving, and sending us all messages.
Betty is survived by her Husband Walter, children Randall (Syndie) Finnas and Karen Pickard, grandchildren Dustin Bowman, Jesse (Sarah) Pickard, Eric (Adrianne) Finnas, Kelly Pickard, Danielle Bowman, (TJ, Whitney, Anthony) and many great grandchildren. Twin half-brothers Sterling (Marie) and Steven (Lara) Shosted, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Gloria Nielsen, and her son Tony Bowman.
A public Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 30th from 6:00 PM ‚ 8:00 PM at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary located on 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's Villa for the love and compassion shown in Betty's last days here on earth and for "crossing the T's so her name doesn't come out Belly".
Betty Verlene and her sister, Gloria and I were about the same age and they lived across the street from me on Sego Avenue as children. We were good friends. I lost track of them when we all were teanagers and they moved away.
