Betty Jensen Sitton

May 19, 1925 ~ January 4, 2020

Betty Jensen Sitton, 94, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020 in Gilbert, AZ. She was born to Hans and Adella Jensen on May 19, 1925 in Monticello.

Betty’s early childhood was spent during the Great Depression. She grew up in Monticello being very much a “tomboy” as there were no neighborhood girls her age. 

She loved doing things with the boys, wearing bib overalls, going barefoot, exploring, and playing marbles. She was always thankful for her Monticello heritage and made many lifelong friends there. She loved San Juan County, UT.

After graduation from Monticello High School in 1943, she moved to Salt Lake City to attend LDS Business College. After completion, she went to work for the Department of the Interior in Monticello. 

During the war she left to work for the Los Angeles Port of Embarkation in Long Beach, CA. After the war ended, she continued her studies at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. 

She became engaged to Robert Noel Sitton who was also attending the University after serving in the Army. Coincidentally the Jensens and Sittons lived next door to each other in Monticello.

Betty and Robert were married July 1, 1948 in Monticello. They returned from school to live there so Robert could help his ailing father with the family business. 

In 1952, the family sold everything to purchase a cattle ranch outside Phoenix, AZ. The family pursued other business opportunities in Arizona and California.

In 1961, the Sitton’s settled in Scottsdale, AZ. Betty enjoyed the warmth and beauty of the Arizona desert. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Family meant everything to her.  

Later in life she developed a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and became a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She never complained, no matter the circumstances and always looked for the good in others. 

After Robert’s death in 2001, Betty spent the rest of her life in Mesa, AZ at Leisure World Retirement Community. She enjoyed friendships and volunteering. 

Betty is survived by her sweet sister Dawn Boyle; children Sonja (Klaus) King-Christ, Susan (Roscoe) Black, R. Regan (Cindy) Sitton, Noel Sitton; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert; her mother and father; and siblings, Fawn Somerville, Ned Jensen, and Rex Buckley Jensen.   

Services are pending with interment at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. 

In lieu of flowers, do something nice for a stranger or help someone in need.

Card of thanks

The family extends a special thanks to the kind staff and nurses at Seasons Hospice; caregivers Marlon, Annette, and Rio; Bishop Hixon; various ward members and friends; Mulligan the service dog who visited often; and Bunker Family Funeral Homes.