Betty Jane Hammack Wearden passed peacefully into everlasting life Thursday, February 6, 2025, in her home, with family members by her side. She will be remembered as a dutiful wife, dedicated mother, loving grandmother, and gracious friend.
Betty was born at home in DaCosta, Texas, September 25, 1930, to Josephine and William Hammack. She had one brother, Thomas.
Raised in the Crescent Valley in Texas, Betty graduated from Patti Welder High School in Victoria, then completed Nixon Clay Commercial College in Austin, enabling her to start a career as a legal secretary.
On September 1, 1951, Betty married Stanley Wearden, beginning a loving union that lasted more than six decades, produced six children, 25 grandchildren, and 14-and-counting great- grandchildren. Betty devoted her life to caring for her family as they moved from Houston, Texas to Ithaca, N.Y.; then to Manhattan, Kan.; and finally settling in Morgantown. She also resided in Birmingham, England; Kingston, Jamaica; and Nitra, Slovakia.
Betty and Stanley traveled extensively throughout the world and although she preferred staying home, she gamely accompanied Stanley on his adventures. Wherever she was, she found time for volunteer work in schools, hospitals, and at her local parishes, where she was a faithful attendee at daily Mass for many years.
Betty had clever fingers with arts, crafts and as a cook of many delicious meals. She was an avid bowler and was very good at the sport. She also loved flowers and bird-watching, particularly her beloved hummingbirds. One of Betty’s greatest joys was hosting parties for family, Stanley’s professional associates, and friends; especially her bridge- playing friends.
Betty Wearden is survived by six children: Stanley T. (Deborah), Ann Young (the late Ernest), James (Mary Ann), Jeffrey (Amy), Peter (Kelly), and Craig (Anne); along with 25 grandchildren plus two stepgrandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren plus four stepgreat-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and Betty’s dear friends, Roberta Gray, Andrea Wearden, and Judith Wearden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley, her parents; her brother; and her son-in- law, Ernest Young.
During the final months of her life, Betty was under the care of WVU Medicine Home Health. The family wishes to express its gratitude to all the staff members, especially Miranda, Tricia, Melinda (Nikki), Kendelyn, and Lauren for their compassionate care.
Family and friends may gather in St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3346 University Avenue, Morgantown, for visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, and again Thursday, February 13, from 10 until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with Father John McDonough as celebrant. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Peace Garden Mausoleum.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Send condolences at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
