Betty Jo DeSalvo

Betty Jo (Charton) DeSalvo, age 90, of Morrilton, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born February 27, 1936, in Morrilton, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Clifton and Dolly Charton. Betty owned and operated Pine Acres Kennel for more than 60 years before retiring. Her passion was grooming and raising dogs, something she truly loved. She was an avid TOPS member, or as Gene would lovingly say, “the fat women’s club,” where she became a KOP, as well as a member of the Hilltoppers Club. She was the “Queen” of rummage sales, scratch-offs, and snacking, and she never met a bargain she didn’t love. Gene and Elvis ran a close race to being the love of her life—so close, we’re still not sure who she ran to first at the pearly gates. Betty’s laughter was infectious, and she never met a stranger. She loved people deeply and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Whoever or whenever someone entered her home, they had better be ready to sit at her table and eat. Her door was always open, her table was always full, and there was always room for one more. Above all else, Betty was Mema. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life. She loved them fiercely and treasured every moment she spent with them. Whether she was laughing with them, feeding them, spoiling them, or simply enjoying having them around her, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew without a doubt how much they were loved. Her love, laughter, and the memories she created with them will live on through each generation of her family. She is survived by her children, Roxy (Jackie) Harlan, Donnie DeSalvo, Paula (Steve) Bostian, and Michelle Poteete, all of Morrilton; grandchildren, Amber (Danny) Estrada, Heather (Derrick) Newsome, Jamie (Jordan) Bostian, Haley (Daniel) Lynch, and Drew Bostian; great-grandchildren, Dylan Spires, Dennie Joe and Addie Lynch, Kendrick and Tylee Newsome, Ridge and Blaise Bostian and Emily Brown; one great-great-grandchild, Olivia Spires; and a host of other step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 67 years, Gene; one granddaughter, Erika McGee; son-in-law, Eddie Joe Poteete; and two brothers, Cecil and Sonny Charton. Betty leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, stories, and memories that will be cherished by all who knew her. To her family, she will always be Mema—the heart of the family, the keeper of a full table, and a woman whose love will continue through every generation that follows. And as Mema would say, “Thank y’all for EVERYYYYTHING”. Services will be held Wednesday August 19th at Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Visitation will begin at 1:30 P.M. followed by services at 2:30 officiated by Father Charles Thessing, Father Jack Harris, and Father Stephen Hart. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery on Highway 287. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great grandsons, Jamie Bostian, Drew Bostian, Dylan Spires, Derrick Newsome, Daniel Lynch, Danny Brown, DJ Lynch and Kendrick Newsome. Any donations in her honor may be made to Sacred Heart School in Morrilton. A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for all the love and care shown to her. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.

Betty Jo DeSalvo

February 27, 1936 - August 14, 2026