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Duette’s beloved “Miss Betty” has passed. She left this earth surrounded by family at Hospice in Sun City, Florida on April 14th after a valiant battle against a series of health issues. She was 78 years old. Betty was the matriarch of the fifth-generation Keen pioneer family of Duette where she dedicated her life to her family, service to youth and her community. She was an iconic figure in Manatee County known for her gutsy “get things done” attitude. She leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed by many.

Betty was born in Duette, Florida on February 8, 1945, on the Keentown homestead which was established in 1882. She lived there all her life and was a member of the Pioneer Farm Century Family who will be most remembered for serving the Duette community as a champion for youth. She was a lifelong member of Dry Prairie Baptist Church where she founded the “Golden Oldies” seniors’ group. She was known for her strong character and ability to advocate for her beliefs. She received numerous achievement awards and recognition from those she served and was named a Manatee County Distinguished Citizen in 2012.

At the top of the list is her 43 years of service to the thousands of youth who were positively impacted by her work with the 4-H youth development organization in Manatee and Hendry counties. She founded the “Mighty 4-H’ers of Duette”, was a member of the 4-H Foundation for 42 years, founded the Florida State 4-H Leaders Forum in 1982, received the 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award in 1983 and was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002.

She loved the land and Duette’s agricultural history. In 2007 she was inducted into the Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame. She was Director of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, a master gardener and founder of Manatee County’s Farm City Week program.

Betty founded the Duette Community Association and is well known for her advocacy surrounding Duette’s One Room School House. She spearheaded the move to see that the school building, established in 1930, was preserved as a museum and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She also started the Duette Volunteer Fire Department in 1983. Betty was on the Manatee River Soil and Conservation district for 6 years and continued the family’s work for over 70 years as a NOAA weather reporter for Duette.

A 1963 graduate of Palmetto High School, Betty worked as a bus driver for Manatee County Schools and was also employed by the Institute for Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) who named her as the Manatee County Extension Service Volunteer of the Year in 1987.. She was a great cook and her potato salad and collard greens will be missed by many!