Betty Lou Mottwiler

Betty Lou (Hardin) Mottwiler passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025. She was born in Clarksville AR, to Orlan and Lois Pauline (Sexton) Hardin on April 6, 1939.

Betty graduated from Clarksville High School (Class of ’57), then Draughon Business College. After which, she worked st the Pulaski County Special School District in the Special Education Department, until retirement in 1999.

In 1959, Betty met and married Ray Mottwiler, and together they raised two children, Steve and Stacy. Together they traveled to all 50 states and many countries around the World.

Betty was a dedicated volunteer with several organizations. During her working years, she was heavily involved with the National Association of Educational Office Personnel, being the President of the Arkansas Chapter in 1986. She helped coordinate the national convention in Hot Springs that year. She was also a leader in the Women's Mission Union at church, traveling to and working on many missionary projects.

Betty was a devoted Razorback fan and was a member of the Lions Club, alongside Ray. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher for the Senior Ladies Class, nurturing faith and friendship within her congregation at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock, where she was a member.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Melvyn Ray; a son, Stephen Mottwiler; daughter, Stacy Shelnutt and husband Chuck; her grandchildren: Leah Ramirez, Joe Charles “JC” Shelnutt IV and wife Caroline, and Pauline Acker; as well as six great-grandchildren Asher, Stella, Cora, Gracie, Amelia, and Madeleine. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Cowan and husband John "Boots” of De Soto, KS. Betty leaves behind a legacy of love and fond memories among her family and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orlan and Lois Hardin.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Arkansas Hospice, Pleasant Hill Care Home, and Elder Independence for the compassionate care and support provided to Betty in her final days.

Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton on September 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will follow on October 1, 2025, at 12:30 PM, also at Smith Family Funeral Home. Betty will be laid to rest at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Bryant immediately after the service, at 2:00 PM. Honored to serve as pallbearers are son-in-law Chuck, John Griffith, Bruce Hester, Bryan Robinson, Scott Johnson and Grandson JC.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.