Obituaries

Betty Ault

Photo of Betty Ault
Betty Ault, a 45-year resident of Bentonville, Ark., died peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on November 3, 2017, in Greenville, S.C., at the age of 96. Betty was born Elizabeth Anne Mertz on July 25, 1921 to Edward and Elizabeth Torbert Mertz in Washington D.C. She was raised in the Cleveland Park area of D.C. and graduated Woodrow Wilson High School. She attended college as a home economics major before marrying John W. Ault on Aug. 24, 1941. Betty was happily married to John for 70 years until his death in 2012. They lived a life of love and adventure as world travelers for three decades before settling into their beloved "Dancin' Rabbit" property in Bentonville. They lived and traveled in five continents, spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Betty was a pioneer, explorer, and adventurer who thrived on new experiences and new people. She made friends easily. She was a voracious reader, curious intellectual, and lively story teller known for her quick wit and creative talents. Betty was an avid gardener, talented chef, and excellent seamstress. She experienced great joy and comfort from the many stray cats she adopted over the years. In her 90s, Betty embarked on one more adventure when she moved to Greenville, S.C. to spend her remaining years with her niece and niece's family. She is survived by her niece Tracie Mertz McConnell, Tim McConnell, great-nieces Aubrey Keffer and Sydney Keffer, and sister-in-law Joan Mertz, all of Greenville. To the end, Betty was fiercely independent and strong-willed. She lived life on her own terms. She was known by all to be "quite a character." Just a week before her death, when asked about her history by a new caregiver, Betty responded "I can't tell you anything about me. I'm undercover." She will be lovingly remembered as someone who lived a lot, loved a lot, and laughed a lot. A memorial service will be held graveside at Bentonville City Cemetery on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Published December 23, 2017

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