Betty Francis Marinoni's Obituary
Elizabeth Frances “Betty” Boyd Marinoni of Fayetteville, AR, is now gloriously with the angels after being diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in September 2024. As she often said, “Do not be afraid. I’ll be with the angels, and it will be incredible and so beautiful!”
Betty was born on February 9, 1942, just one day after her beloved husband, John P. Marinoni, was born. Their true love was the stuff of movies, love songs, and romantic tales.
Married for 62 years, they celebrated their wedding anniversary on December 29, 2024.
Betty was the middle daughter of Byron Boyd and Gertrude Brennan Boyd of Fayetteville, AR, both deceased. She shared a uniquely special bond with her two sisters, Barbara Jo Boyd Smith of Fayetteville, AR, now deceased, and Patty Boyd Kelly of Aurora, IL. Known as “The Three Sisters,” their connection was filled with daily phone calls, shared laughter, and a lifetime of planning family gatherings and holidays. Betty cared for Barbara during her long illness with unwavering love and dedication. Patty returned that same loving care to Betty.
The Three Sisters all graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, AR, forming the foundation of the beautiful lives they built together.
As a newlywed, Betty was determined to impress her husband, who grew up with the phenomenal cooking of his mother, Mary O’Connor Marinoni, and grandmother, Arkansas’ State Poet Laureate Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni. Secretly, she would stay up late at night memorizing recipes from The Joy of Cooking to match their culinary excellence. Her determination and love turned her into one of the best cooks in a large Italian-Irish family filled with accomplished chefs and bakers. Betty joked that they were all “food snobs” because they could cook anything better than what restaurants offered—a claim her family wholeheartedly agreed with!
Cooking became Betty’s passion and a way to bring people together. She was known for opening her home to anyone without family at Thanksgiving, creating beautiful meals with her sisters and welcoming new friends.
Betty’s warmth and charm made her unforgettable. Her husband, John, often said it was as if she had a sign on her back that read, “Tell me your life story.” Wherever she went—whether in grocery lines, banks, or even at church—Betty would make new friends with her sparkling brown eyes, infectious laugh, and quick wit. She made everyone feel seen and loved. She would tell you “I love you more”.
Betty and John are the proud parents of three daughters:
• Melissa Ann Marinoni Smith, married to Dr. Keith W. Smith of Little Rock, AR.
• Lara Marinoni Henry, married to Brent Henry of Rogers, AR.
• Lydia Marinoni Tedford, married to Tom Tedford of Lake Forest, IL.
She adored her role as “Tibbolt”or “Bibbolt” to her beloved grandchildren: Drake and Payne Henry of Rogers, AR; Luke and Rachel Tedford of Lake Forest, IL; and Sophia Rosalie Smith of Little Rock, AR.
Betty is also survived by her sister Patty and numerous nieces and nephews on both the Boyd and Marinoni sides of the family, whom she loved dearly. She cherished the many bonds she formed with her extended family and friends. Her home was a hub for family gatherings and celebrations, and she ensured every person felt valued and loved.
Betty and John enjoyed countless family vacations and adventures, especially in their beloved Sirmione, Italy, on Lake Garda where John’s grandfather was raised. Betty cherished traveling to Nanchang, China, with her oldest daughter Melissa and son-in-law Keith to adopt her youngest grandchild, Sophia.
Betty’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses, aides, and staff at Circle of Life Hospice for their tender and compassionate care during her final days.
A mass and celebration of Betty’s life will take place at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, AR, on Monday, January 13 at 3:00pm; followed by a gathering of family and friends in the church hall.
How can one possibly describe the love and life of a dedicated daughter, a bonded-for-life sister, a wonderful wife and true love, a loving mother, a magical grandmother, a caring aunt, and a true-blue friend? How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
For now, we say with love, “I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places that this heart of mine embraces.” We love you, More.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to 7hills Homeless Center, 1832 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72701
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