December 7, 1928 – September 22, 2015
Surrounded by her adoring family, Betty Lucille Holloway Caplin peacefully passed away on September 22, 2015. Betty was born December 7, 1928, in Miami, Florida, to William Carl and Eva Lucille Lounsbury Holloway.
Betty’s early years in South Florida were simple and filled with the wonders of a pristine tropical paradise. Betty’s father was a southern cowboy and lawman. Their family, in part, lived off the land and plentiful harvests from Florida’s rivers and oceans.
Betty’s love for the beauties of the earth — from southern beaches to the Rocky Mountains — was well known to her family and friends. For many years, Betty led her small children on camping and fishing excursions across the state. She taught each of her children to swim, to fish and to love Jesus Christ.
Betty’s parents were southern pioneer converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The family homestead was in the middle of what is now the Church Ranch in Florida. Betty loved the Church of Jesus Christ with all of her heart.
It was no small undertaking to maintain her devotion to Jesus Christ as she experienced the ultimate “opposites attract” scenario in marrying her Eternal sweetheart — Harvey Caplin, a first generation Russian-American Jew from New York City. Betty’s example and love were instrumental in Harvey’s conversion to Christianity.
Together they loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ for decades and enjoyed serving in the church and temple. They also practiced the law and tradition of the Torah, especially the mandate to the House of Israel to “…love the stranger as ‘Thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Their home and assets were always open to everyone in need.
Harvey and Betty truly complimented one another as husband and wife, father and mother for 55 years before Harvey passed away in 2007. They loved and worked hard to help and bless their five children: Ronald (Jan), Steven (Toni), Michael, Alan (Jennifer) and Julie Williamson (Tim).
Betty was a gifted musician and served as a ward and stake organist for many years. She was a natural and loving leader and served faithfully especially in the Relief Society and Young Women programs of the Church.
A voracious reader, Betty loved to entertain her children when traveling by reading short stories and novels. Her favorite work was the Book of Mormon, which she studied and drew knowledge and strength from continually.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harvey; brothers, William and Robert; and sister Mary. She is survived by her beloved children; sister Patricia Baker of Ocala, Florida; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Caplin and Sonia Bochner of Miami, Florida
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m. at the LDS chapel, 3680 Pioneer Parkway, Santa Clara, Utah.
- Visitations will be Saturday, 1:30-2:30 p.m., prior to services at the chapel.
- Interment will occur at Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George.
Arrangements have been made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110. Bluff Street, St. George, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences online.