It's been said that the more a child knows about the details of their mother's life, the stronger the child. Regardless whether or not this statement is true, we all knew that we had a strong mother. We also all knew that even if the whole world was throwing rocks at us that we'd be okay because our mom had our backs. She was outspoken and strong willed.  A fierce protector of those she loved.

Betty May Hart Siders was born on June 13, 1955 in Henderson, WV to William "Bill" Siders and Virginia Cathryn Patterson Siders. Betty's mother died giving birth to her eighth child when Betty was two years old. After her mother and infant brother's passing, she and five siblings went to live with her Aunt Effie and Uncle Junior Siders. Betty's aunt and uncle raised her to adulthood.

When Betty was fifteen years old, she met and fell in love with Wallie Hart. The two married and had five children of their own.  During the course of the couple's life together, Wallie's sister passed away. Without a moment's hesitation, the couple took in two of their nephews and one niece. The couple would raise them as their own.

Our mother ran a tight ship. She kept her home spotless, even with eight children. She drove us to school, to little league, and to church. She kept her children clothed, clean and fed.  She made the statement on more than one occasion that all she wanted in life was to be a mother and wife.  She accomplished this and so much more.  She was a chauffeur, nurse, teacher, doctor, housekeeper, laundress, cook, chief financial officer of the Hart household, referee at times when siblings squabbled, and also a therapist. She spent most of her life as a homemaker but after her children were grown, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Nursing homes and Home health.

Her most self-valued role was that of mother.  She loved babies and not just her own. Her whole face would light up when she saw a baby and she would smile. She would have to hold, play with, and cuddle the child.  She rarely had a child reject her gentle approach.

She also had a strong faith in God and leaned on that faith to carry her though the tough times. She said the hardest part of her life was burying her daughter and the nephew she had raised as her son from age 13 to adulthood. While she enjoyed her family and her life here on earth, she has finally reunited with loved ones that left us too soon.

In addition to both sets of parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Wallie Hart, her daughter, Charity Hart Turner, her son, William "Billy" Bonecutter Jr, Two sisters, Irene Martin and Virginia Large.  Two brothers Infant Siders and William Siders.

Betty is survived by three sons, Wallie Hart Jr, Joseph Hart, and Joseph Messer.  Three daughters, Debbie Mullens, Barbara (Christopher) Thomas, and Jessica Messer.  She was very proud of her 8 grandchildren who also survive her. They are Cody Mullens, Parker Hill, Chelsea Mullens Zuspan, Evan Hill, Caetelin Mullens, Dakota Turner, Bailey Thomas, and Jacob Turner.  She was equally proud of her Great-grandchildren who also survive her…Jacob Jackson, Jeremiah Jackson, Huck Zuspan, Sawyer Zuspan, and Waylon Burris

Betty is survived by 3 brothers, Virgil Patterson, Gary Siders, and Tommy Patterson.  She is survived by 4 cousins with whom she was raised as a sibling.  They are Linda Wright, Margaret McKinney, Edith Fisher, and Ritchie Siders.  She is also survived by a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Erma and Jim Whittington.  Many nieces and nephews also survive her.  She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

There will be a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 12, 2021, at Forest Hills Cemetery, with burial to follow.