Margaret Elizabeth Naftel's Obituary
Margaret Elizabeth (Bette) Naftel, age 87, died peacefully in her sleep from natural causes on Monday, May 7th 2012. Bette was born in La Junta, Colorado on June 18th, 1924. She was raised from an early age in a Catholic convent in Los Angeles, California. Bette is survived by her husband of 67 years, Stacy Naftel, who heard her voice on KOKO radio of La Junta, Colorado and pursued her until she agreed to marry him on April 18th, 1945. Bette was the first female radio broadcaster in the state of Colorado. Stacy was a B-25 instructor pilot stationed at La Junta, Colorado when they married. They traveled extensively during his military career. During Colonel Naftel’s many military assignments and 32 moves, Bette established 28 homes for their family. Mrs. Naftel had a flair for interior decorating, arts and crafts, and creating Faberge eggs. While in Homestead AFB, their home was featured in the local newspaper. She was extremely active in the Officer’s Wives Club (OWC) wherever they were stationed and several times held the offices of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, parliamentarian, and/or chairperson of several committees. Bette was one of the OWC dancing Hamettes at Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, Ohio where they entertained the officers and their families at various times of the year. During their tour of duty in Guam, Bette was the Chairperson of the OWC Gift Shop and met several celebrities and their families including Bob Hope, various U.S. Senators, and the Secretary of State. One of her favorite social events was their annual Christmas party which she and Stacy hosted for over 40 years in their military life and later in their civilian life. After 33 years of active duty, Col. Naftel and Bette retired in Dallas, Texas. Bette worked at the World Trade Center in downtown Dallas for several years and semi-retired when she went to work at a local Hallmark store where she fell in love with their Hallmark ornaments. These ornaments hung on one of the 5 different themed Christmas trees which she decorated each year. Bette was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she helped Stacy when he served two years as president of the 50 club. Bette is survived by four children, Kathy Faraone, retired Elementary school teacher in San Jose, California; Joette (Joey) Naftel, ~ College Professor in Mascotte, Florida; Don Naftel and his wife, Connie, retired Civil Service and USAF Reserves in Niceville, Florida; and Mike Naftel and his wife, Sharon, retired entrepreneur and businessman in Mesquite, Texas. Bette is also survived by seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Father Josef Vollmer-Konig of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dallas, TX will minister a Memorial Mass on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 11:00am at the church. A reception will immediately follow the Funeral Mass in The Parris Center located behind the school. Bette’s final resting place is Restland, Dallas, TX. Graveside burial will follow the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to The SPCA of Dallas, TX.
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