Betty Jean Thayer

Betty Jean Tapia Barela Thayer, 91, passed away on August 26, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, adventures, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Betty was born on July 1, 1935, to Natividad Tapia and Irene Haushel. The third of 10 children, she grew up on her family’s 18-acre farm, where she learned the meaning of hard work from an early age. Alongside her brothers and sisters, she cooked, cleaned, ironed, gardened, and cared for the farm animals. Because her family truly lived off the land, Betty’s childhood shaped her into the strong, capable, and hardworking woman she would become.

After graduating from Albuquerque High School in 1953, Betty married Edwin Barela in 1954. Together, they raised five children. Following Edwin’s passing in 1980, Betty continued working and went on to build a 35-year career as a cashier with Piggly Wiggly, Safeway, and Furr’s Supermarkets.

When Betty retired, she exchanged the routine of work for the freedom of the open road. She became the cook and traveling companion for Marcella and Serena as they explored the United States in their motor home. Their travels took them through Arizona, Colorado, North and South Dakota, and many other states.

Wherever Betty went, she knew how to make the journey more enjoyable. Their travels often included stops at casinos, where Betty tried her luck at the penny slot machines. Her luck proved to be more than just wishful thinking: over the years, she won several jackpots and even won a large-screen television while betting on her beloved Denver Broncos.

Betty’s enthusiasm for sports was just as memorable. She was not a casual fan; she followed her favorite sports with genuine dedication. She was known to set her alarm for 2:00 in the morning so she could watch Wimbledon and the Australian Open. She enjoyed football, basketball, baseball, horse racing, and nearly any other sport that caught her interest.

In 1998, Betty began another meaningful chapter when she and Allen were reunited. They had grown up as neighbors in their younger years, and their reunion blossomed into a 28-year marriage filled with love, companionship, travel, and unforgettable experiences.

Together, Betty and Allen traveled far beyond home. Their adventures took them to Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Guam, Tinian Island, Iceland, Canada, Mexico, and all 50 states. Among Betty’s favorite memories was a visit to Okinawa, where she taught Polynesian women how to make tortillas. In that simple act of sharing something she knew and loved, Betty’s warmth and generosity shone through. She had a special way of bringing people together through food, conversation, laughter, and kindness.

Throughout her life, Betty embraced hard work, family, travel, sports, adventure, and the occasional stroke of good luck. From her childhood on the farm to raising a family, building a career, traveling the open road, cheering for her favorite teams, and creating memories with the people she loved, she found joy in both life’s everyday moments and its grand adventures.

Above all, Betty leaves behind a family who will carry her memory forward. She is survived by her husband, four children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and three sisters and their families.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Enchanted Skies Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Betty.

Though Betty’s journey has come to an end, the stories, laughter, adventures, and love she shared will continue to live on.

She lived. She loved. She traveled. She cheered. She laughed.

And she left the world with a lifetime of memories.

Betty will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery.