Bettie J. Heath Hoe

Bettie J. Heath Hoe, 85, a longtime resident of Reno, died Nov. 27, 2005. She was born June 11, 1920, in North Dakota to William H. and Grace A. Heath.

She graduated from high school in Sand Point, Idaho, in 1938. She started her higher education in Seattle, Wash., continuing through 1960, when she received her master's in psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. It was her fifth major subject at UNR.

During the 1960s she was an advocate for the mentally challenged, pushing for legislation and developing, as well as administrating, a day school for children with Down Syndrome in Sparks. She was instrumental in the development of the Washoe Association for Retarded Citizens, which still operates today.

In 1973, she bought, restored and developed the Victoria Wedding Chapel in Carson City.

She belonged to many organizations and social clubs, including The Century, Sisters of the Eastern Star, the Nevada Historical Society, Nevada Landmark and the Carson City Historical Society. She was an avid supporter of the Reno Little Theater and secretary of the Thomas Holcomb Chapter of Colonial Dames.

She enjoyed reading, the arts, gardening and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence C. Hoe; brother Roger Heath; and sister Alma Holland.

Among her survivors are daughters Carole Hoe Ross and Nina Spradlin, both of Carson City; nieces Jean Holland Brandt of Arkansas; Heather Heath Stremme of Odgen, Utah; nephew Robert J. Holland of Oregon, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great nieces, and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roberts Park Museum in Carson City, or a charity of choice.

Walton's Reno Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.