Betty Lou Blake Hinkle was born in Springfield, MO, on April 25, 1930. She departed this life peacefully at home in Albuquerque, NM, on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her children. She was pre-deceased by her husband of nearly 70 years, Gene Ellis Hinkle, and by her parents James Leonard and Helen Virginia Blake, and grandchild Davis Gregg. She is survived by her four children, Randhal Hinkle, Douglas Hinkle, Cynthia Hinkle Keeran, Bryan Hinkle and their families including eight grandchildren, Blake Hinkle, Jesse Gregg, Katrina, Walker and Lance Hinkle, Mathew, Jennifer and Drew Keeran, and their families and eight great-grandchildren, Ava, Emma and Mia Keeran, Brayden and Annalise Gregg, and Brody, Tatum and Sailor Hinkle.

Betty grew up in Springfield and studied English at Southwest Missouri State University, where she met Gene Hinkle. She moved with her family to Albuquerque, NM in 1950 to continue her education at the University of NM, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in Speech. Gene had followed her to Albuquerque, and they married in November 1950. The next 70 years were filled with success and adventure as she and Gene raised four children and traveled the world. She was a wonderful and devoted mother who loved caring for her children. Betty loved to read and had a deep appreciation for nature; she loved birds and seemed to know the name of every flower she encountered. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, and she also loved playing the piano, a gift she had enjoyed since childhood. She was a beautiful and elegant woman who cherished time spent at her cabin in Taos, NM, and was an avid skier, enjoying many family ski trips over the years.

Betty was deeply involved in her community and church life. Betty was a deacon at La Mesa Presbyterian Church, later a member of First Presbyterian Church, and served as President of the Las Amapolas Garden Club. She was also President of her sorority alumni club, TriSigma, and was active in a variety of Albuquerque's community activities. She was President of her children's Parent/Teachers Associations and served as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce Wives organization. Betty served on many fund-raising drives and civic projects in the community.

Golf became one of Betty's great passions when she started playing at the age of 30, quickly becoming an accomplished golfer and winning many women's golf tournaments. She was the ACC Women's Club Champion in 1987, and through the years served as President of the Women's Golf Association of the Albuquerque Country Club, and President of the Four Hills Women's Golf Association and the Four Hill's Women's Tennis Association, as well as President of the NM State Women's Golf Association, and served as Chair of the Albuquerque City Women's GolfTournament in 1990.

We love you, Mom, and you will be deeply missed!

A funeral service will be held on February 17, 2026 – French Funerals Lomas Chapel at 9:00am with graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice in Betty's remembrance.