Our beautiful, elegant, socially gifted and forever hard working mother, grandmother and great grandmother died on September 8th, 2015. She was a dynamic, charming and generous presence to all of us and she will be greatly missed.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City to Mary Samuels and James Esmeyer. Brother Bill (hero and childhood protector) was always in her fond remembrances of growing up. Graduated from East High School and worked as a stenographer at Fort Douglas during WWII. Then left for Utah State U. where she was a teaching major and as a junior chosen Snow Queen. She also met and married our dad William "Bill" Allen there.
She raised our family on SLC east side and served as a primary teacher, Sundayschool teacher, scout leader and was PTA president of Curtis Elementary School.
After her divorce from Bill she worked as a secretary for Fuller Paint Co. and then as a personal assistant to prominent Salt Lake Psychiatrist Dr. Joseph "Joe" Smith. It was at this time that she met and married Glen "Mick" Mickelson. They had great times fishing, golfing, traveling, and most of all boating on various Utah lakes. During this period she became a force in the local social scene serving as University Club Pres., Ambassador auxiliary Pres. and was chosen one of Salt Lake\s ten most best dressed women by columnist Dan Valentine. Later was Zion Summit\s social chairman and social activities President of the Utah Symphony Guild.
After Mick\s death she once again was working while most of her friends had retired. She then married J. Richard Anderson (deceased) with whom she shared more memories "Home Building". She then became an award winning Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker and became the \"Condo Queen\" of Zion\s Summit Condominiums where she sold over 100 plus units. In April of this year she had just renewed her license when her health started to fail.
She loved sports, golf, tennis, skiing, and bowling and had a passion for dancing, tap dancing, jitter bug, and even the twist. She was also a shopper and diner extraordinaire. Nordstrom's, Dillard's, Macy's, Jean Paree, Little America, and Cheesecake Factory are all going to feel the loss ‚ OUCH!
Betty is survived by her son, William James Allen; daughter, Linda Myers; grandsons, Derek and Shane, and great-grandchildren, Alec, Elise, and Mia Allen.
A Celebration of Life program will be held at the Empire Room in the Joseph Smith Memorial buildingMonday September 14from6:30-8:00pm.Light refreshments served. Donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to the Adopt A Native Elder Program PO Box 3401 Park City, Utah 84060. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com
