Betty Jane Welton moved to Arizona in 1969 and started her career in the Sports Information Department at Arizona State University. 

While working, she also studied and received her degree in Public Programs from ASU in May 1983. 

In 1988, she took a position with the ASU Foundation as Director of Annual Giving. 

After four years, she redirected her incredible fundraising ability to her ultimate love of animals. In 1992, she took a position with the Phoenix Zoo as Director of Individual Giving, and was there for seven years before accepting the position as President and CEO of the Arizona Animal Welfare League in 2000 (where she had been a volunteer many years prior). 

During her tenure with AAWL, adoptions increased over 100% and she oversaw the acquisition and management of the Arizona SPCA. Her position and passion for animal rights also allowed her the opportunity to work on Maddie's Fund in Maricopa County, a Pet-Rescue Foundation aimed at building a no-kill nation for animals. After a devoted career with AAWL, Betty felt compelled to take a step further in her commitment to animal welfare by starting Healing Hearts Animal Rescue in 2005, her own non-profit dedicated to the rescue of abused and neglected horses and farm animals. 

Betty and her life-long friend David Hoffman opened a ranch in Willcox, AZ where Betty personally lived for two years and cared for at least 10 horses on her own. Healing Hearts eventually moved to Cave Creek, AZ, allowing Betty to focus on fundraising. 

Betty is survived by her daughter, sister, brother, two granddaughters and four great grandchildren. 

Betty is preceded in death by her menagerie of pets she rescued throughout her life. 

In honor of Betty's dedication and compassion for animals, we are requesting that any donations be made directly to Healing Hearts Animal Rescue at https://healingheartsaz.org so that her incredible work may continue.