Betty Ruth Siddall, age 87, passed away on October 28, 2016 after struggling with health issues. She was born February 13, 1929 in Sumter, South Carolina. Her father had always insisted that she was actually born on Valentine’s Day, and she was well into her adulthood before she learned otherwise. As the oldest daughter in her family, she took on a caretaking role for her siblings. She graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence, S.C. in 1946. She worked as a telephone operator in Columbus, GA, when she met her husband, Calvin Siddall. They were married in 1950 and moved to Huntsville, AL soon after for Calvin’s work with NASA. Betty worked tirelessly to raise her family and embraced her role as caregiver for several family members. She found much joy in encouraging and participating in each of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She was an outstanding cook and baker. She was a talented seamstress and also created beautiful crocheted and knitted works. She loved art, supported local artists, and praised the artistic efforts of her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Calvin Siddall, daughter Emily McDonald of Austin, TX, son-in-law Tom McDonald, grandchildren Lydia, Joanna, and Audrey McDonald, daughter-in-law Tammy Siddall, sister Sarah Parker of Athens, niece Leah Fogg of Madison, and nephew Raymond Parker of Athens. Betty was preceded in death by her son Calvin Norris Siddall (“Dicky”), and daughter Gwyn Siddall, as well as her brothers Isaac Williams, Clarence Williams, and sister Peggy Franco. Through her strong faith, Betty was assured she would be reunited with her loved ones in heaven.
Visitation will take place Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Laughlin Funeral Home from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Laughlin Parlor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s honor to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
