Betty Fowler

Betty Fowler, an Arkansas musical icon, peacefully left this world Saturday, April 15, 2017. Betty was born on September 17, 1925 in Wynne, Arkansas to the late Harry Willis Hunter and Elizabeth Sands Hunter. Her love for music began at age 9, when she started taking piano lessons. Betty began her illustrious career at age 18 after winning a talent contest, which gave her the push she needed to pursue her life's passion. Betty graduated from Little Rock Jr. College in 1944. She spent most of her life in Little Rock as a popular musician and television entertainer. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, William H. (Bill) Fowler Jr., son Bill Fowler III, brothers, Wilson Hunter and David G. Hunter, sister, Mary Elizabeth Hunter Everett, brother-law-law, Harry L. Everett and nephew, David R. Hunter. She is survived by relatives, Jeannine Hunter Hopkins, Gail Hunter Roper, Carol Hunter Scott, Anne Everett Schnipper, Dr. Harry L. Everett, Dusty Hunter, Pat Hunter and many more. Betty began her musical career on a statewide radio show. She moved on to become a television performer in the early 1950's in Little Rock with what is now known as channel 7. She was best known for her children's TV show, "Betty's Little Rascals", which began in 1955. She went on to co-host the "Little Rock Today Show" on channel 4 with Bud Campbell, where she did live commercials, played the piano and interviewed celebrities who came to town, such as Liberace, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Red Buttons and Robert Goulet. Through the years, Betty maintained a vigorous schedule with her band, "The Betty Fowler Four", which produced a record album of her music. She was also musical director for The Miss Arkansas Pageant (1960-84), Musical Director for Broadway musicals produced by the Community Theater, Musical Director for the Farkleberry Follies and The Gridiron. For many years, Betty taught piano and had a recording studio in her home, where she gave voice coaching lessons and made accompany tapes for many aspiring performers. Betty Fowler will forever be remembered and treasured for her lifetime love and devotion to the world of music, both in performing and in the teaching of music to others. A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock, Ark. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Ruebel Funeral Home followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.