Betty Barker Hodges died peacefully at Windemere Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Feb. 15.

She was born on June 26, 1927 in Five Points, Pa. the youngest of three to Francis Willard and Effie Barker. She grew up on the family farm where she played, helped with the chores and learned to drive the tractor. While still a child, the family home burned to the ground and she fondly remembers setting up a temporary home in the horse stable. They lived a rich life on the land even through the Depression years.

Betty attended Westtown School in West Chester, Pa. She graduated from Earlham College, a Quaker school in Indiana, with a major in food service. She also trained as a dietitian at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. During this time her brothers, Warren and Larry, served in World War II even though their Quaker beliefs encouraged pacifism.

While at the University of Michigan Betty met Sander Tonnesen in the summer of 1950 and they married in July of 1952. Sander’s work for the DuPont Company in Wilmington, De., resulted in many moves for the family, including a four-year stay in Geneva, Switzerland.

Moving back to the States in the late 1960s, Betty became active in the church while raising four children in Wilmington, De.

A spiritual person, she helped many people navigate life’s difficulties. She worked in the health food community, was passionate about sharing her knowledge of nutrition and was an early adopter of healthy living. She loved to experiment with cooking using ingredients like carob and alternatives to wheat and sugar resulting in her healthier version of brownies.

Through her ministry she met Larry Hodges whom she married and continued with her spiritual calling throughout the United States and as far away as Kenya.

After Larry died, Betty returned to Pennsylvania and later decided to move to Martha’s Vineyard to be close to her children and their families. She enjoyed the Island’s beauty and making new friends.

In 2015 she moved into Windemere where she received loving support from staff and family, becoming known as a beacon of positivity and the Queen of Bingo.

She survived by her four children, Keren Tonnesen of Oak Bluffs, David Tonnesen of Honolulu Hawaii, Mark Tonnesen of Vineyard Haven, and Tim Tonnesen of Los Angeles, Calif.; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews

A private service was held for family on Feb. 16.

Donations can be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, www.hospiceofmv.org/donations.