Betsy Hamby

Betsy Hamby (Webster)

It is with profound sadness that the Hamby family announces the peaceful passing of our sweet angel Betsy, with her family at her side; on August 13, 2025, in Stansbury Park Utah at the age of 86 years.

Born in Hartlepool England, October 29th, 1938, to her parents George Arthur Webster and Rowena Clara Yuill. Betsy was the youngest of 5 children, she grew up in England with her family, she often shared wonderful memories such as swinging from ropes that had been attached to the tops of light poles along the neighborhood streets, eating jam and bread, and playing pranks on her mom in the laundry room, with chunks of coal, she always smiled when sharing the memories spent in England. She also shared her memories of a time of war, vividly remembering how her father rushed in to snatch her and her twin Nene out of the bathtub, wrapped them hastily in a towel and rushing them in his arms to the nearest bomb shelter, as sirens echoed down the neighborhood streets. Betsy and her family made the decision to board a ship named “The Saxonian” and she began her long journey across the North Atlantic Ocean to the United States at the tender age of 16, leaving behind her home and everything she ever knew, to begin a new life in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Betsy worked hard to help her family establish themselves once here, and it was at her first place of employment where she met and fell in love with her life partner, Thomas Gilbert Hamby Sr. They were married August 16th, 1957, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and began their long journey of 56 wonderful years together.

Betsy eventually went to work at Salt Lake Donut where she became known as the sweet little English lady that worked at the bakeries front counter. Many people were lucky to have had the opportunity to experience her loving, carefree spirit, topped off with a salty English accent as she found joy in handing out these sweet delicacies to each of “her customers”. Over the years she grew to be the face of that bakery, and many patrons grew a lasting relationship with Betsy we know and love, they would often bring her gifts of appreciation for the person she was and how wonderful she made each of them feel.

She absolutely loved animals, and it was said that if you died and are reincarnated, you should surely ask to come back as one of Betsy’s dogs, because she treated them like her own children.

She was an avid bargain hunter, almost a type of hobby for her and she enjoyed looking for any great deals at a local Deseret Industries store, or weekend yard sales. Music always resonated with Betsy, and she loved to sing with her twin sister Nene, who played the organ. Together they brought joy to a rest home which her father stayed for a time, and even after his passing, her heartfelt actions and unwavering devotion continued to bring song and music to those who still resided there.

Betsy had a free spirit that loved the outdoors, whether it was camping at Cherry Hill, riding her bike through the streets of Salt Lake City, swimming, walking her dogs, or being at the park, she was always one who loved to be with nature and often found the time to enjoy being outdoors.

Betsy and Thomas created a wonderful family, with amazing memories, and despite any difficulties, they stood true beside each other flawlessly honoring the vows they so lovingly made. Betsy often spoke of her heart’s desire to be with Thomas again, along with her twin sister, as well as so many who have gone on before her, and it brings comfort to the family in believing that her wish has now come true.

Betsy’s biggest love in this life was her family. She was a fiercely devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana, and friend. Her greatest accomplishment was being present in the life of all those that she knew and loved. Her love transcended all boundaries, whether she was traveling with her family, or spending time with those closest to her, she exuded warmth and generosity, always making everyone feel seen and valued. Her spirit was boundless; her heart was open and her capacity for love was infinite.

Her generous spirit and love for her family and friends will continue to inspire those who shared in her life. She taught us how to live boldly and love unconditionally. Her presence will forever be felt in the lives she touched, the stories shared in her honor, and the miles of life’s road she traveled with an open heart and a beautiful smile.

Her name will forever be remembered and spoken of with love and reverence as her legacy continues to shine in the life of all those she touched.

Betsy is survived by her Children: Susan Switzer, Donna Hamby (Brian Connelley), Steve Hamby (Denice), Grandchildren: Jason Pearson, Tayea Pearson, Chris Hamby, Donavon Minnis (Andrea) , Jill Bock (Mike Winkelaar), Tonya Connelley (Charles Hertig), Seth Minnis (Rebekah), Nicole Connelley, Brandee Harris, Abbi Davis (Keane), Shantell Creekmore (Jamison), Jamie Colovich (Cameron), Aerien Connelley (Kylee Thornley) and Joshua Hamby; 35 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren as well as many Nieces and Nephews.

Betsy is preceded in Death by: her parents, her husband, her children; William Andrew Hamby (stillborn), Anna Marie Simpson, Thomas Gilbert Hamby Jr, Linda Kay Bailey, Son in Law Rodney Switzer, Grandson Branden Pearson, and Grandson in law John Medina. Her siblings; Richard Webster (Janett), Margorie Burgon (Denis), Pauline Angus (Walt), and her very best friend, soulmate and confidant, her twin, Christina Slock.

The family would like to express our deepest appreciation and heart felt gratitude to Adam, Wendy, Tina, Heidi and Taya, with Rocky Mountain Home Care, “Dads” physical therapist (real name was too hard for most, so most just called him Dads) with CNS, and most recently and most impactful Bri Lee with CNS. Each of these wonderful staff took extraordinary steps above and beyond to not only care for Mom, but to develop a wonderful relationship and trust with her throughout the latter part of her life.

Thank you, Mom, for never wavering, being our rock and until that glorious day when we see each other again, we will forever love you and miss you always.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday August 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Murray Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, Utah 84121 with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, Utah 84117.