Betty June (Pomeroy) Hawkins

Betty June Hawkins, 78, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at her home in Thermopolis after a short bout of pancreatic cancer.

Born June 2, 1939 in Lewiston, Illinois, she was the daughter of Clyde and Myrtle (Cluney) Pomeroy.  After high school she attended college earning her RN degree.  Adventuresome, she headed to Wyoming and accepted a job at the Thermopolis Hospital. She then was employed by Dr. Benjamin Gitlitz until his untimely death.  She then worked at the Wyoming Pioneer Home. From 1974-to the late 1990’s she became the elementary school nurse at Hot Springs County School District #1.  Her position also included traveling to the Hamilton Dome, Lucerne and Meeteetse schools.

On May 15, 1964 she married Donald “Hawk” Hawkins in Thermopolis, WY.  They enjoyed camping, their children, grandchildren and children in general.

 A member of Community Federated Church, she was passionate in teaching her little “pumpkins” in Sunday School for many years, and served on the church board.  She was a member of Chapter AV PEO; Homemaker’s Extension Club “Show ‘n Tell”; VFW Auxiliary and the Hospital Auxiliary.  Betty was voted School Nurse of the Year in the early 1990’s and had served as president of the WY School Nurses Association. After her husband’s passing, she and her children carried out Hawk’s dream of an Avenue of Flags at Monument Hill Cemetery.

Loved ones cherishing her memory include her children, Julie (Tony Nettles) Lehman and Ross Hawkins, of Thermopolis; grandchildren Daniel and Kate Lehman and Skylar Hawkins; brother, Donnie Pomeroy, Havana, IL; sister, Helen Thomson of Table Grove, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter, Trina and husband, Hawk, 2016.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 18, 2:00 pm at Community Church, with Pastor Chuck Cooper officiating.  Burial will follow at Monument Hill Cemetery with a reception to follow.

Memorials may be sent to Betty’s pride and joy, Hawk’s Avenue of Flags, 1237 Amoretti, Thermopolis, 82443.