Elizabeth "Betty" Price

Betty Price was born on December 18, 1935, to Raymond and Sue Davis in her grandparents’ home in Duncan, Arizona. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to what they lovingly called “The Homestead,” a wedding gift to Ray and Susan that remains in the family today.

At ten years old, Betty witnessed two unforgettable moments in history and in her own life — the birth of her only sister, Marilyn Ruth, and the end of World War II just one month later.

Betty attended Duncan Elementary School, where she began a lifelong journey that would shape who she was. Joining the 4-H Club opened a huge chapter in her life. She competed in cooking and canning and found great success at the county, state, and even national levels. The program led to incredible experiences and lifelong friendships, including an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C. Those who knew Betty know this was only the beginning of her lifelong passion for cooking, canning, and baking.

Before graduating from Duncan High School, she met the love of her life, Floyd Price. She patiently waited for him to return from military deployment in Korea. At 20 years old, she dropped everything to marry him and moved to Morenci. What followed was nothing short of a Christ-centered, community-serving, loving marriage that lasted 65 years.

Together they built a beautiful family. Their first child, Peggy Jo, was born January 4, 1957, followed by their second daughter, Terri Lee, on August 19, 1959. In 1964, Betty and Floyd began building their forever home on Billingsley Lane in Duncan — a project that came with many memorable stories, including the infamous adventure of acquiring concrete for the foundation. The family moved in as soon as the walls were up and began building the life and farm they had long dreamed and prayed for.

Betty began working as a home economics teacher at Duncan High School — much to the “oppression,” her daughters jokingly claimed, of having their mom at the same school. During this time, she pursued her bachelor’s degree at Western New Mexico University. Within two short years, she welcomed their third and final child, Buddy Price, graduated from college, and began a new career as a social worker for the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

Her 17 years as a social worker were nothing short of legendary. She used her position to bless countless families, children, and individuals in need. She developed a lawyer’s vocabulary, the heart of a saint, and enough gravel in her gut to stand up to anyone when it meant protecting others.

Even after “retirement,” Betty never slowed down. Instead of beaches or quiet days away, she continued serving — caring for her elderly mother, supporting her children, working alongside Floyd as the top farmhand, and serving as the backbone of the Duncan United

Methodist Church. Through it all, she kept her pantry full, her table welcoming, and her heart open — and never once complained.

After 65 years of marriage, Betty endured the hardest day of her life when she said goodbye to Floyd. For the next five years, she quietly missed him. Still, those who knew her might say she secretly enjoyed finally getting to watch something other than Gunsmoke.

In her final days, she told her granddaughter Tawni that Floyd was there holding her hand, ready to take her home. She didn’t make him wait long and soon went to be with Jesus.

Betty is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Her favorite things were cooking, canning, baking, reading, and — most of all — loving people. She adored hosting a full house and was a true social butterfly. We imagine her now catching up with old friends and family and maybe even canning cinnamon pears for Jesus.

Her life was one of faith, service, family, and love — a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.