Betty Jo Fountain Karaff, 78, of Vidor passed into the arms of our Lord on Wednesday, June 16, 2010. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Edward Karaff.

Born on February 24, 1932, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, she spent her formative years in Beaumont before graduating from Beaumont High School. After beginning her career as a Kelly Girl, she would then work for Beaumont Dry Goods. After they closed, she worked with Deeya Cosmetics for several years, where she would print all their brochures. An opportunity opened up that would lead her to the job of her life, as the secretary for First United Methodist Church in Beaumont, for over twenty-five years. After retiring, she focused her time and energy doing volunteer work for Some Other Place, Meals on Wheels and was extremely active in the Becomers Class at First United Methodist Church.

Betty never met a stranger. She was always cheerful, friendly and outgoing. She was involved with the National Campers and Hikers Association for many years. When her boys joined the Boy Scouts, she became “mom” to any and all. Her interests were wide and varied. She loved crossword puzzles, baseball, football, golf and tennis, just to name a few. When she and her husband Dale retired, they began traveling the country and went overseas including two trips to Slovakia to research family history.

Betty Jo was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her energy, vitality and love for life will carry on through her family and friends.

She is survived by her three sons, Keith Dale Karaff of Magnolia, Christopher David Karaff of Mauriceville, and Kevin Dwayne Karaff and his wife Lynn of Richmond; two grandchildren, Kolby Dale Karaff and Karson Paul Karaff both of Richmond; brothers, William Fountain of Starks, Louisiana and Conway Fountain of Pasadena.

Her funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 20, 2010, at First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, with burial to follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A gathering of her family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3247, Beaumont, Texas 77704.