Betty Delight Knox Hardt Obituary

Betty Delight Knox Hardt passed away at home on Sunday, August 20th at 89 years of age. She leaves behind her husband of sixty-nine years, The Rev. Otto H.C. Hardt, and their four children, Cynthia White (husband Randy) of Mt. Washington, KY; Karen Hoy (husband Ed) of Smithfield, NC; Timothy Hardt (wife Sandra) of Seven Springs, NC; and Linda Hardt of Mebane, NC; and her Sister, Norma Lawrence, of Pennville, IN. Betty had 5 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

Betty was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her friends, and church. She had a warm, compassionate spirit that made others feel accepted and welcome. She was a loving caregiver for her handicapped daughter and sister, and her legally blind mother-in-law. Betty and her husband, Otto, traveled to Florida, the Ozarks, West Virginia, Tennessee, the Holy Land, and many other locations for vacation, always with at least one other family member in tow. She was, however, able to enjoy one trip alone with her husband where they visited Denver, Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, and Otto's relatives in Great Falls, Montana. Betty was a homemaker, and her children loved returning home from school to the smell of freshly baked bread or apple dumplings.

Betty was talented with sewing and made many of her children's clothing, including her daughter's prom dresses and a wedding gown. Camping and hiking in the mountains of North Carolina was a joy she shared with her family. She even took a few backpacking trips alone with some of her children on the Appalachian Trail while her husband performed his ministerial duties. Betty was a wonderful grandmother and a great mentor to her daughter when the first-born grandchild turned out to be twins.

Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church Graham where she sang with the XYZ choir. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women and the Gordon Painter Sunday School class. She served in several District Offices of United Methodist Women from 1978 to 2005 in the different districts where her husband was appointed as minister. Before moving to North Carolina with her husband and children she was very active in St. John's Evangelical Reformed Church in Fort Wayne Indiana and was a member of many singing groups, as she loved music. She played piano and organ in the church of her membership from childhood until retirement, often serving as choir director.

Betty was born August 1, 1934, in Hartford City, IN, the third generation born on the Knox family homestead. She was the youngest of three daughters of Walter Lloyd Knox and Letha Pearl Ford Knox. She was a graduate of Roll High School and International Business College in Ft. Wayne, IN where she met her husband. Her secretarial skills were helpful as she became Otto's proofreader and typist during his studies at Duke Divinity School. She received a PHT (Putting Hubby Through) from The Student Pastors Association of Duke Divinity School, at Otto's graduation, which she enjoyed with a smile on her face. She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ellen Louise Knox. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the loving kindness shown to Betty and her family by Betty's caregiver, Cindee Zellner, and the Authoricare Hospice nurses and Chaplain, neighbors, friends, and church congregation.

A Grave Side Service will be held at Alamance Memorial Park Cemetery on Thursday, August 24th at 11 AM with Pastor Clare Clyburn officiating. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church 303 N. Main Street, Graham N.C. 27253.