Waterford, VT – Betty Jane Minshull, 87, passed away quietly on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at The Pines in Lyndonville, VT. Betty was born in St. Johnsbury, VT. She was the daughter of Clarence and Josephine (Ferris) Barrett. She married William Albert Minshull Jr., the love of her life, in Newbury, VT, and they had one son, with another on the way when he was called to serve his country in World War II. She waited patiently for him to return to her. Betty and William bought their home in Waterford where they raised four children. As was customary Betty stayed home and raised the family but was always volunteering at the school and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW. Her home was her pride and joy and she welcomed everyone. More than anything Betty loved her family. She created many happy holiday memories and never forgot a birthday. Holidays were not complete unless all of her family was gathered. Her other love was watching wildlife, especially birds. She fed them year round, and passed this love on to her children. A love she found late in life was the ocean where she spent some special times both on Cape Cod and in Maine. Betty loved her children but grandchildren and great grandchildren were the sparkle of her eye. Unconditional love was important to her, which meant showering her family with love and affection at all times not just on special occasions. Playing card games or fixing a favorite snack with her grandchildren was always enjoyable and she used these times to install morals, family values and life lessons. Grandchildren always felt special under her watchful eye. Betty was also a woman of great faith. A day did not go by that she did not read from her Bible and her prayers were always for her loved ones. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William; two sons, Michael and Timothy; a granddaughter, Kimberly; seven sisters, Ruth Friend, Louise Lundstrom, Margaret Smith, Audrey Blain, Marion Stone, Bertha Barrett, and Patricia Barrett; and two brother's, Clarence Barrett and William Barrett. She is survived by her beloved son, Robert of South Natick, MA; a beloved daughter, Jane Tenney and husband Allen of East Burke, VT; seven grandchildren, Kevin Minshull, Sarah and Tien Minshull, Hope Waterfield, Hollie Tenney, Jared and Allison Minshull; four great grandchildren, Michael, Dustin, Daniel, Tyler, and Aniyah; a devoted sister, Mabel Barrett; a sister, Katherine Hill; three brothers, Herbert, Kenneth, and Clinton Barrett; beloved sister-in-law, Elizabeth Santaw; special family friend, Jerry Pierce; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be no visiting hours and burial will be private for immediate family only at the Riverside Cemetery, Waterford, VT. Memorial contributions can be made in Betty's memory, if desired to charity of your choice or the Passumpsic Community Baptist Church, PO Box 126, Passumpsic, VT, 05861.