Betty Jane (Staser) Calvert

Betty Jane (Staser) Calvert, 83 of Newburgh, Indiana, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at Angel River Nursing Facility on May 3, 2010.

Betty was born on April 24, 1927, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Emge) Staser in Evansville, Indiana.

She graduated from Bosse High School in 1945. Shortly after graduation, she was employed by Sears, Roebuck, where she met her husband and soul mate, Joseph L. Calvert, who preceded her in death in 1997. She always said, "You can get anything at Sears, even a husband." She and Joe were married 50 years and raised three children.

Betty's life revolved around her family and friends, doing things for other people, spending time on the golf course and playing cards at Rolling Hills Country Club. She was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Rolling Hills Country Club, Petroleum Club and the Evansville Kennel Club. She was also a past member of the Evansville Women's Club, where she served on the Traffic Commission of Mayor Frank McDonald Sr.'s administration. She was a willing volunteer at the Evansville State Hospital (Gold Lady), Planned Parenthood, Plaza Park School PTA, Eastminster Soup Kitchen and as a driver for the Golden Age Group.

In 1985, she and Joe moved to Vero Beach, Fla., to enjoy the warm weather, the golf courses and a more easygoing life. They were blessed with many new friends from around the country and Canada. After Joe died in 1997, Betty remained in Florida until 2004. She then moved back to Evansville to be near old friends and family.

Betty is survived by her sons, Randall (Karen) Calvert of Evansville and Keith (Diann) Calvert of Lafayette; and daughter, Beth (Tom) Petersen of Evansville. She also leaves six grandchildren: Chris Calvert, Stacey Blackwell, Matt Calvert, Kayla Doyle, Tyce Calvert and Lauren Petersen, who thought she was the best grandmother in the world. She made each one feel special and loved. From spending the night with Gramma, Christmas breakfast and Shanghai card games, they all knew her love. The six great-grandchildren who came later in her life — Olivia Blackwell, Chase Blackwell, Claudia Blackwell, Jack Calvert, Joe Calvert and Will Calvert — were also cherished and loved unconditionally. She also is survived by her sister-in-law, Bettye Calvert of Murray, Ky., who was a friend and confidant; many nieces and nephews, who considered her a special part of their lives; and by her special friend Janet Martin, whom she had known since high school. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her sister, Mary Margaret Murphy; and her parents.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Sunset Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

May 05, 2010
Sorry for your loss. Remembering the good times we had with Betty and Joe as cousins, neighbors and friends. She will be missed by many.
Ralph Carr, Shell Knob, Missouri

May 05, 2010
When I grew up, Betty was like my second mother. Her passing leaves a large empty spot in my life.
Tom Carr, Marion, Illinois

May 05, 2010
A dear friend, neighbor, church, golf buddies. Remember many good times together with Betty and Joe. Our kids grew up together. Dearly missed since we moved away in 1972.
Bob& Barb Kelly, Germantown, Tennessee

May 06, 2010
Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss. I hear from Tom, with whom I work, that she was a great lady. I am sure she will be dearly missed.
Vicki Belangee, Newburgh, Indiana

May 06, 2010
We want to express our condolences at the passing of Mrs. Calvert. she and Joe were good friends of my parents, Peg and Wy Walton. I can remember the conversations when they sat around the card tables or drinking cocktails in the evening while I as a teenager was just trying to get out without having to spend too much time being polite. I had to laugh at the quote you included in the obituary because I can remember hearing her make that statement about being able to get anything at Sears, even a husband. That generation is just about gone now and they will be sorely missed.
Wymond "Turk" Walton, Evansville

May 06, 2010
I remember what a lady Betty was. We had some great times at Ranchland and alot of good card games. She will always have a special place in my heart. She loved her children & was very proud of all her grandchildren.
Bob & Marge Evans, Vero Beach, Florida