Betty Jane McMurtry

Betty Jane McMurtry, 63, of Bella Vista, Ark., went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2013, in Bentonville, Ark., after a courageous battle with melanoma. Family surrounded her when she peacefully passed on Tuesday evening. Betty Jane was born on June 30, 1949, in Little Rock, Ark., to Daisy (Eubanks) Kolasci. She graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Nursing School in 1972. She worked in various positions at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, including working as an instructor to new nurses at the medical center's school of nursing. She then moved to Fayetteville, Ark., with her family and became a school nurse in the Fayetteville Public School district before working for both Dr. John Vinzant and Dr. David Ureckis. Betty Jane enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking on the holidays, beating her granddaughters at Dominoes, drinking peach milkshakes, shopping with her granddaughters, and she never said no to a good shoe. She is remembered for her many quirks, including listening to Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair" on repeat and laughing so much at her own stories that she couldn't finish telling them. Her husband remembers her as devoted wife of 40 years, as well as his best friend and confidante. Her son and daughter remember her as a loving mother who wasn't afraid to use their full names. Her granddaughters remember Betty Jane as the grocery store expert, navigating every single aisle and parking far enough away to earn herself a Hershey bar reward. She is remembered by all for her generous and selfless heart. She was a retired registered nurse and a member of United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Kolasci. She is survived by her husband, Charles McMurtry; her mother, Daisy Kolasci of Bella Vista, Ark.; one daughter, Kim Davison and husband, Kevin, of Fayetteville, Ark.; one son, Scott McMurtry of New York, N.Y.; one sister, JoAnne Fairchild of Alpharetta, Ga.; and three grandchildren, Katie, Lindsey and Hannah Davison. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at United Lutheran Church, 100 Cooper Road in Bella Vista, with Pastor Darrell Johnson officiating. Private entombment will take place at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. Memorial contributions may be made to United Lutheran Church, 100 Cooper Road, Bella Vista, AR 72715-5510; or Circle of Life Hospice, Legacy House, 900 NE Verdant St., Bentonville, AR 72712. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville.