Betty Fowler

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Apr 15th, 2017

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Death Date: Apr 15, 2017

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Biography: Betty Fowler, an Arkansas musical icon, peacefully left this world Saturday, April 15, 2017. Betty was born on September 17, 1925 in Wynne, Arkansas to the late Harry Willis Hunter and Elizabeth Sands Hunter. Her love for music began at age 9, when she started taking piano lessons. Betty began her illustrious career at age 18 after winning a talent contest, which gave her the push she needed to pursue her life's passion. Betty graduated from Little Rock Jr. College in 1944. She spent most of her life in Little Rock as a popular musician and television entertainer. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, William H. (Bill) Fowler, Jr., son Bill Fowler III, brothers, Wilson Hunter and David G. Hunter, sister, Mary Elizabeth Hunter Everett, brother-law-law, Harry L. Everett and nephew, David R. Hunter. She is survived by relatives, Jeannine Hunter Hopkins, Gail Hunter Roper, Carol Hunter Scott, Anne Everett Schnipper, Dr. Harry L. Everett, Dusty Hunter, Pat Hunter and many more. Betty began her musical career on a statewide radio show. She moved on to become a television performer in the early 1950?s in Little Rock with what is now known as channel 7. She was best known for her children?s TV show, ?Betty?s Little Rascals?, which began in 1955. She went on to co-host the ?Little Rock Today Show? on channel 4 with Bud Campbell, where she did live commercials, played the piano and interviewed celebrities who came to town, such as Liberace, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Red Buttons and Robert Goulet. Through the years, Betty maintained a vigorous schedule with her band, ?The Betty Fowler Four?, which produced a record album of her music. She was also musical director for The Miss Arkansas Pageant (1960-84), Musical Director for Broadway musicals produced by the Community Theater, Musical Director for the Farkleberry Follies and The Gridiron. For many years, Betty taught piano and had a recording studio in her home, where she gave voice coaching lessons and made accompany tapes for many aspiring performers. Betty Fowler will forever be remembered and treasured for her lifetime love and devotion to the world of music, both in performing and in the teaching of music to others. A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Ruebel Funeral Home followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Condolences(21)

Jeanie (Plants) Harding

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

She was one of the most amazing people I've had the privilege to know. I first saw her on TV in 1955 and we later chucked about Billy the Boon Mike. I worked with her at Community Theater many years ago/ I was in touch a few years ago after so many years and it was like only yesterday.and she was as giving as I had remembered. She was forever there to help anyone starting out. Her praise and loving support was given freely to everyone. She loved life, people, Arkansas and our country. It was a privilege to known her. Jeanie Harding, Newquay, Cornwall, UK
(An Arkansan abroad).

Bill Withers

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are so sorry for your loss. Bill and Alice Withers

Marilyn Green Coy

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I loved Betty Fowler! Many years ago, probably in the early 60's, she featured me as I accompanied her on my drums. I was just a young teenager from Arkadelphia, who was one of the lucky ones who got to be on her show. What a treat that was, and I can still remember it to this day some 50+ years ago. I had just been thinking about her when I got the news of her passing. She was the best!!!

Audrey Burtrum-Stanley

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It is a remarkable commentary that when thinking of 'a Female Musician in Central Arkansas' the first name you speak -- for decades -- has always been: 'BETTY FOWLER.' This has long served as a beautiful tribute and now, a lovely memory. Condolences to her family and fans...

Amy Rushin

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Betty was one of a kind in her tangerine Reeboks and big smile! She was my piano teacher for several years and always went so far out of her way for me. She introduced me to amazing musicians, Earl Hesse and the wonderful, late Doug Stiles, who were selfless as well, spending their time teaching fundamentals and exposing me to the jazz greats.

I'll never forget her enthusiasm for life and music. I loved being at her house for lessons and getting to watch her and Bill work in the studio. What an amazing lady who will be missed. Much love and prayers to her family.

Joetta Milhoan Duke

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was so saddened to read tonight of Betty's death this past weekend, and so saddened that I won't be able to attend her service tomorrow. When I was in the 5th grade, I became a member of her "Little Rascals", appearing on her weekly television show, and varied performances throughout the State. It was such a wonderful time in my life, singing and dancing, attending birthday parties at Betty's house, etc. She was a mother to us all, and included my entire family as part of hers. She has made such a huge impact on young people, as well as adults, throughout her lifetime, and enriched their lives to such a degree that they had the initiative and drive to fulfill their dreams. She will be missed, but her memory will go on through the lives she touched.

Doug Patchell

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear of Betty's passing. I first met her when I was asked to sing for the State Farm Bureau Convention in the 70's where she and her band were playing. That started a friend/vocal coach relationship that lasted through my college years. She was immensely talented and exuded a kindness and interest in all those she coached. I enjoyed being in her home and visiting with both her and Bill. She will be greatly missed!

Pat Jones

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Betty's late son Bill was a team mate and friend!
Really classy lady !!!

Becky Huff Terrien.

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Betty was a friend of my family through our church (First Christian) plus I was a Little Rascal. I remember when we had to meet at the Marion Hotel to ride a bus to Pine Bluff for the live Saturday morning show "Betty's Little Rascals". Also being in the Kiwanis shows. We had a party for her last year and she was as sharp and perky as always. I don't know of another lady as well known and well loved at Betty. She rests now with her "Bills".

Christi Wohner

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Betty was a great woman that will be missed. She taught my daughter Amberly Wohner and prepared her song for Bill Clinton's 40th Birthday and many more songs. She will be mixed.

BOBBY LAMB

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Love and prayers to the family and friends, from everyone here at Nursing and Rehab @ Good Shepherd.

Lynn Wood

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

bill rawlings

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We love you and will never forget you.From one of your little rascals....

Bob Boyd

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Betty nurtured countless fledgling musicians and entertainers during her long and fruitful life. She had the gift of making others feel important and useful. Her legacy continues and will continue forever. "A teacher's work is eternal." I am grateful to have known her and called her my friend.

Annette Williams

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sincere condolences to Betty's family. I first met Betty when I was very young and she and her husband and son lived for a while in the neighborhood where I grew up. Betty was such a welcoming and friendly person, and always made you feel special. Even after she achieved fame she always remembered my name and we would have a good talk. She will be greatly missed and greatly remembered. Such a talented person.

Sandra Goforth

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My daughter, Patti Goforth, was her first vocal student. She taught Patti how to perform as well as improved her vocal skills. We loved Betty and Bill SO much! Rickie and I visited her several times when she was in the nursing home. She brought joy to all who knew her and will be remembered and treasured by many. My sincere sympathies to her family. May God Bless. Rest In Peace, Betty; you've earned it...❤️

C.B. Goins

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was one of the original Betty's Little Rascals. What fun we had! She was a wonderful person, both friend and mentor. She was a true role model for thousands of children and I'll always remember her. RIP, Betty!

Nan Maureen Tenaud

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sad Betty has passed. Condolences to her friends and family. One of my first performances was at Robinson Auditorium for a Miss Arkansas Pageant with
Betty. She also taught my grandson Michael McKinnis
years later. She will be missed.
Nan Maureen

Kristin A. Keyes

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Betty Fowler was a true gem, and an Arkansas music legend, who will be missed beyond measure.

Ann Treadway Henry

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I have many marvelous memories of Betty Fowler! I can't remember a junior or senior high dance that Betty was not in attendance.
Ann Treadway Henry

Alita Mantels

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

As Secretary for the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation/Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame, I offer sincere condolences to the family of Betty Fowler (one of seven inaugural inductees into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame in 1994).

Betty Fowler

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