Betsy Hutchins was a loving,nurturing, courious, and giving person whose legacy and spirit live on in
her children and grandchildren. She had a great love for her family and took great pride in the fact that
all four of her children liked one another. With her encouragement her children always strove to do
their very best. It did not matter what task or event they were involved in, she gave her wholehearted
support.
Betsy was a lover of animals. For 45 years she and her husband Paul devoted their lives and energy to supporting Donkeys and Mules around the world. She and her husband founded The American Donkey and Mule Society, Inc. The ADMS is a non-profit organization devoted to these animals. They started a number or registries and published the magazine BRAYER. There are over 85,000 animals now registered with ADMS. Before they could get enough funds together to acquire some help they hand typed and cut and pasted up the magazine on their dining room table. Her whole family was involved and trained and showed donkeys and mules. When she retired from active work in ADMS activities she did not stop making many contributions. She and Paul wrote three books on Donkeys and Mules. One of their books is a text used in many equine schools. Many people came to their 100 year old house to visit and do research. Their library is listed as a specialty library with the state of Texas.
When Betsy and family moved to an established neighborhood, Betsy became an expert on extensive container gardening. Her newly found green-thumb passion led to a garden with over 160 roses, canna
lillies, day lilies, cactus and succulents who under her careful nurturing made her yard one of the most beautiful in the neighborhood.
Betsy was an avid reader and it was not uncommon for her to read four or five books a week. In her lifetime she read over 12,000 books. Her tastes were wide and varied and she never stopped seeking more knowledge and information. Betsy’s love of the British Isles led her to read any and everything on the culture, weather, and history. Her whimsical nature drew her to sea shanties, tall ships and the sea.
She and Paul liked to see new cultures and visit historic sights. Betsy had a specific love for river cruises regardless of weather! She often said all you had to do was unpack once, which truly pleased her efficient nature.
There are no words to describe all of Betsy’s talents and abilities. She nurtured alll the things around her: people, plants, and animals. She loved to laugh and share her knowledge with anyone who sought her advice. She was loved by all who knew her. Her absence leaves a great hole in our universe.
Betsy is survived by husband, Paul, children, Scott and wife Tammie, Melissa, “Missy” and her companion David, Melinda “Mindy” and husband Stephen, Patrick and wife Katie, grandchildren Clayton and Audrey, and friends around the world too numerous to count.
