It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Bettye Kathryn Hilton-DeKeyzer 92, of Boyce, Louisiana on October 22, 2026. She is reunited in heaven with her daughter Julie Williams-DeKeyzer, husband Jack DeKeyzer, sisters Billie Ruth Robertson, Juanita Hahn, Doris Perham; brothers Harold Hilton and Dr. O.W.Hilton Jr.; parents Alice Mathews Hilton and father O.W. Hilton Sr.; plus multiple friends and family. Those left to cherish her memory are sons Billy DeKeyzer (Lacey), Jeff DeKeyzer (Cookie) and daughter Stacie DeKeyzer Bender (Stacy). She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Bettye graduated from Providence High School in 1952 where after graduation she went to work at Rapides Bank as a teller for 35 years. She loved reading, cooking, working in her yard, serving many years at Manna House, and a deep love for watching her hummingbirds that would flock to her feeders every year. Among all her beautiful chapters none was more special than when and how she met her true love and lifelong partner of 44 years, Jack, on a blind date in August 1953. On that first date Jack told her that he was going to marry her and soon their romance would move to matrimony on November 14, 1953. They built a beautiful life defined by deep commitment and unwavering love until Jack’s death on November 1, 1997, and he has remained in her heart throughout her life.
If you ever walked into Bettye’s kitchen you knew what to expect. No matter the day of the week there was always a freshly baked cake sitting in the corner of the counter or dessert in the refrigerator. Then she’d welcome you to coffee and conversation at the kitchen table. She was a devout Catholic and her life was a beautiful testament to her profound faith, grace, and devotion to God. She was the embodiment of selflessness and kindness. She had a gentle spirit and always put the needs of others before herself as a steady anchor for family. To know Bettye was to feel entirely cherished with a sense of peace and security. She radiated such warmth to those in her orbit because she had such a rare gift in making anyone feel at home. Her faith guided her every action and lived each day as a reflection of God’s love.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Visitation at the church from 9:00am until Mass at 11:00am. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Pineville, La.
We want to thank Lexington House, Cabrini Hospice, and especially Jordan Rachal, for the love and care they showed to our mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manna House in Alexandria, Louisiana, which was dear to her heart.