Molder, Betty

Betty Molder, 80, of Portales, died Saturday, April 29, 2006, at Heartland Continuing Care Center in Portales.

She was born April 29, 1926, in Littlefield, Texas, to Roxie and F. L. Elliott.

During her early years, the family moved back and forth several times between Texas and California. She graduated from high school in Post, Texas, in 1942 shortly after her 16th birthday. Not long after, the family returned to Montebello, Calif., where she became acquainted with Bill Molder who was her next-door neighbor. They were married on Aug. 15, 1947, in Montebello, Calif., and moved to Portales to make their home in 1951. For several years she was employed as a bookkeeper and secretary at the Portales News-Tribune. In the early 1970s, she went to work as a secretary in the ASCS office in Portales. She had retired in 1986. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, family members said, and was a member of a bowling league in Clovis for many years.

Family members said she also enjoyed playing the piano and guitar and writing short, cute poems for birthdays and other occasions.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Shirley Elliott, who was killed during World War II; and by her husband, who died June 29, 1999.

Survivors include her daughter, Sherry Molder (and husband, Randy Carter) of Portales; and grandson, Gary Carter of Portales.

Victor Dictson will officiate services.

Jim Reed, Tommy Milsap and Joe Thompson will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.