BETTY BLANTON SUMNER died on July 18, 2003 at her home in Carrollton, lovingly surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren. Born on September 24, 1919 in Shawnee, Kansas; Betty came to Texas with her family during the Depression in 1931. She graduated from SMU in 1938. In 1941 she married Marine Lieutenant William M. Sumner, and worked at the war effort at Consolidated Aircraft in California. After the war, they returned to Carrollton, Texas where their five children were born. Betty shared with her family a love of politics, history, and community service. She was honored by the PTA with a lifetime membership, was a founding member of Holy Covenant Methodist Church and the Carrollton Historical Society. She loved with a quiet passion her family, town, school, and church. And her love made her, though the quietest one, the most commanding presence in a room. She cared for the sick, tithed in her life and finances and opened her home day and night to several generations of Carrollton children. Her home was always full of music, literature, laughter, and kids. She and her husband were Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty to everyone in town. She once rode the roller coaster at the State Fair twelve times in a row. What a ride she gave us. Thanks, Mama, Nana, Aunt Betty. Ride on! Her husband Bill Sumner, her parents Lena and Lester Blanton, and her brothers Walter and Jack Blanton, sister-in-law Beryl Blanton, brother-in-law P.M. Belt and beloved friend Betty Harris preceded her in death. Her daughters, Carolyn, Suzy, Patti, Sally, and Tammy survive her. She is also survived by two sons-in-law, Ken Polson and Jack Barbee, grandchildren Rebecca, David, Eric, Carrie, Justin, Jonathan, Tina and Monique, brother Bill, sisters-in-law Clovis, Marion, Sue, Frieda, Juanita, and Jane, and great grandchildren Nathan and Katie. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at Holy Covenant Methodist Church in Carrollton on Monday, July 21, at 10:00 AM. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the church or charity of your choice.    Dignity Memorial Rhoton Funeral Home I35 at Crosby Rd. Carrollton .

The Dallas Morning News, The (TX)-July 20, 2003