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Betty Ruth Burnett Sperling, age 92, went home to be with the Lord on August 8, 2026, at the Ozark Health Nursing Center in Clinton, Arkansas. Born on May 12, 1934, in Greenhill, Arkansas, Betty was one of eight children of the late Church and Onie Burnett. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Victor, Aubrey, Henry, James, Bernard “Skeeter”, and infant Donald; her sister, Elizabeth Allison; her son-in-law, Steve Branscum; and dear friend Mae Pennington.
After graduating as Valedictorian from Wilmar High School, Betty’s early adventures took her across the southwest as she worked for Western Union. However, her heart ultimately rooted her in Monticello, which became her longtime home. For over 36 years, Betty worked for Burlington Industries in various departments. Beyond work, she developed lifelong friendships with her Burlington family. A woman of profound faith, Betty was a devoted and active member of Second Baptist Church of Monticello. She faithfully taught Sunday school classes and helped count the tithes and offerings for many years, finding true joy in serving others.
Betty enjoyed reading, writing, watching Wheel of Fortune, canning her famous tomato relish, and catching up with friends and family on the phone. A master of trivia facts, she could recite all the state capitals and Presidents in order, often helping the grandkids learn them. She loved watching Razorback sports and would often watch games while on the phone with one of her relatives who lived far away. Betty enjoyed dressing fashionably and her grandkids always enjoyed her shoe collection. Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She kept recent pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the coffee table in her living room, eager to show anyone who dropped in for a visit.
She is survived by her three children, Phillip (Debbie) Sperling, Donna Branscum, and Lea Ann (Curt) Thomas; six grandchildren, Joshua (Maggie) Sperling, Jeremy (Arriane) Sperling, Jesse (Tanda) Sperling, Beau Branscum (Christina Bethalee), Rebecca Thomas, and Patrick (Hannah) Thomas; sixteen great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Second Baptist Church in Monticello, Arkansas. There will be a visitation Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.
After graduating as Valedictorian from Wilmar High School, Betty’s early adventures took her across the southwest as she worked for Western Union. However, her heart ultimately rooted her in Monticello, which became her longtime home. For over 36 years, Betty worked for Burlington Industries in various departments. Beyond work, she developed lifelong friendships with her Burlington family. A woman of profound faith, Betty was a devoted and active member of Second Baptist Church of Monticello. She faithfully taught Sunday school classes and helped count the tithes and offerings for many years, finding true joy in serving others.
Betty enjoyed reading, writing, watching Wheel of Fortune, canning her famous tomato relish, and catching up with friends and family on the phone. A master of trivia facts, she could recite all the state capitals and Presidents in order, often helping the grandkids learn them. She loved watching Razorback sports and would often watch games while on the phone with one of her relatives who lived far away. Betty enjoyed dressing fashionably and her grandkids always enjoyed her shoe collection. Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She kept recent pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the coffee table in her living room, eager to show anyone who dropped in for a visit.
She is survived by her three children, Phillip (Debbie) Sperling, Donna Branscum, and Lea Ann (Curt) Thomas; six grandchildren, Joshua (Maggie) Sperling, Jeremy (Arriane) Sperling, Jesse (Tanda) Sperling, Beau Branscum (Christina Bethalee), Rebecca Thomas, and Patrick (Hannah) Thomas; sixteen great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Second Baptist Church in Monticello, Arkansas. There will be a visitation Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.