LuRene Elizabeth ‘Bettye’ Dedman
January 6, 1931 ~ June 1, 2026
Lake Mary, Florida
Born in Sanford, Florida, to early Lake Mary residents LuRene (neé Griggs) and Raymond M. Ball, LuRene Elizabeth ‘Bettye’ Ball was raised on Crystal Lake in Lake Mary. She attended Lake Mary Elementary and Sanford/Seminole High School, then graduated from the University of Florida in 1953. Following graduation, she returned to Lake Mary and taught at Sanford Grammar School.
While in college, Bettye met the love of her life, Tyler Freeland Dedman, a dashing Naval aviator. After a whirlwind courtship, they married June 20, 1953, beginning a remarkable union built upon deep faith in Christ and unwavering service to others.
Bettye and Ty raised three daughters during their 68-year marriage. A devoted Navy wife, Bettye shouldered full responsibility on the homefront whenever duty called. Bettye embraced a “home is where the heart is” spirit, turning every duty station into both a learning opportunity and an adventure. Copies of the U.S. Navy’s Social Usage and Protocol Handbook and Service Etiquette remained in her library throughout her life – a testimony to her unwavering devotion and commitment to service and hospitality in all aspects of her life.
Bettye and Ty shared duty stations around the globe, including Florida, California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington, DC, Washington state, Hawaii, and a final destination of Lisbon. They embraced world travel, where Bettye immersed herself in the culture, history, cuisine and languages of each place they visited, often incorporating them into her home.
Following nearly four decades of Navy life, they chose Bettye’s childhood hometown of Lake Mary for retirement, while continuing their travels and lives of service. Bettye was a member of Daughters of the King, Cursillo, P.E.O., Ixora Garden Club, and Lake Mary Historical Commission, among others. Most notably however, was her shared commitment with Ty to St. Peter’s Church in Lake Mary, where Bettye was a founding member. Along with Ty’s, her fingerprints remain upon nearly every church ministry. The two also joined forces with others to bring the healing power of Christ to the people of Honduras through Mountain of Hope, a service-oriented nonprofit. Bettye’s role evolved over the decades, culminating with the establishment of a week-long Mission Bible School for children in the village of Quince de Enero, which takes place each summer. Always an educator, Bettye collected bibles for every child in the village – 200 age-appropriate Spanish language scriptures – which she distributed with countless hugs during her final visit.
Bettye and Ty delighted in each addition to their family – by marriage or birth – and were overjoyed when all their children chose to raise their families in Central Florida. Bettye was especially passionate about her grandchildren and great-grands, for whom her love knew no bounds. With many living close by, each holiday, family trip, and special event became a cherished memory. Bettye cheered them on at sporting events, dance recitals, and musical performances whenever possible. Four of her grandchildren followed in her footsteps – graduating from both Seminole High School and the University of Florida. Bettye’s love of family extended far and wide – to nieces, nephews and a host of dear friends. She was known around the world for her gracious hospitality – opening her doors to others whenever possible.
Bettye is deeply loved and missed by her daughters and sons-in-law: Deborah and Brian Loe, Laurie and David Mealor, Carol and Roger Patenaude; her grandchildren: Krisha Patenaude and Carsten Stoever, Hanee P. Birch, Stephanie and Aaron Black, Michael and Jennie Mealor, Lindsay and Robert Sweeting, Emily Loe and Don Anguish; as well as her great-grandchildren: Atraeju, Oona, Ida, Kate, Tyler, Evelyn, Addie, Jay and Wells.
Bettye was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ty, her parents, and her brother, Raymond M. Ball, Jr.
Services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at St. Peter’s Church, Lake Mary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home-Oaklawn Chapel, www.BaldwinFairchildOaklawn.com. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be considered for Mountain of Hope ( https://www.mountainofhope.com/donate/ ) or St. Peters Church Lake Mary ( https://stpeterslakemary.org )
