Betty Upton

Betty Frances (Whorton) Upton, 97, of Melrose, New Mexico passed from this world to be with her Lord and Savior on July 28, 2026, in Clovis, New Mexico. Betty was born on November 6, 1928, in Durino (Taiban), New Mexico to Joseph Hightower and Rachel Eva (Thompson) Whorton. Betty always said she was born on the day that Herbert Hoover was elected President, just before the great depression. Her family was originally from Gadsden, Alabama. Betty was the only one of her 4 sisters and 3 brothers to be born in New Mexico, but she still inherited their ‘Alabama’ accent. Betty began school at Taiban and then attended school at House, New Mexico after her family moved to Hassell, New Mexico. Her family gave her the nickname ‘Gal' so when she started school, she didn’t know who the teacher was talking to when she was called Betty.

When she became a grandmother, the grandchildren called her ‘Mammy’, a name she cherished. She was a fun, loving, energetic, creative, doting grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known to pull a prank or two on her husband, Bill. She was a petite lady with a big personality and she was truly loved.

Betty married William Andrew “Bill” Upton on June 17, 1946, in Clovis, New Mexico. Together, they built a ranch at Hassell and loved everything about living there. They always had a huge garden from which Betty canned vegetables each year. She was a great cook and baked delicious, pretty cakes. She loved sewing, quilting, and belonging to the Ima Quilting Club where she learned all the “news” from her friends. Betty had a wonderful sense of humor and would jot down jokes so she could remember them. She read her Bible often and taught Sunday School. She and Bill attended the Ima Sunday School with their friends.

When Bill became ill, they bought a home in Melrose, New Mexico. This was uptown for Betty, and she really enjoyed being in ‘town’ for a change. She loved going to the Melrose Senior Citizens and attending the First Baptist Church of Melrose while living there.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, 4 sisters, and 3 brothers.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Linda Sparks (Jerry) of Fort Sumner, NM, Shirley LaCroix (Chuck) of Bloomfield, NM, and Rhonda Collins (Johnny) of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, Kyle Sparks of Fort Sumner, NM, Kimberly Starling (John) of Burkburnett, TX, Cody Sparks of Gunnison, CO, Desiree Martin (Cliff) of Rio Rancho, NM, Nathan Lacroix (Janelle) of Parrish, FL, Randy Collins of Bayfield, CO, and Roy Collins (Duyen) of Greenbay, WI, along with 14 great-grandchildren, a special sister-in-law, Jeanne Whorton, and numerous very special nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special thanks to Darlene and all the staff at Beehive Homes, Clovis, NM and to Interim Hospice for the excellent care she received.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 629, Portales, NM 88130.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Melrose, NM, on August 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Joe Bunce officiating. Interment will be at the Hassell Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Kyle Sparks, Cody Sparks, Hunter Sparks, Hayden Sparks, Jace Starling, Randy Collins, Roy Collins, Jax Collins, and Nash Collins.

Please keep the Upton family in your prayers. You may sign the online guest book, share a note of condolence or a favorite memory at www.chavezfuneralhome.com 

Arrangements are under  the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.