Ella "Betty" Elizabeth (Peck) Hyatt

Ella Elizabeth (Betty) Hyatt, 96, a lifelong resident of Deming, NM passed away peacefully in Las Cruces, NM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. A graveside service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 23 at Mountain View Cemetery. Betty was born in Deming on June 5, 1929, to Vaun K. Peck and Elizabeth White Peck. She graduated from Deming High School then attended and graduated from the privately owned Albuquerque Business College.

After graduation, she moved back to Deming and worked at Deming City Hall. While working at the city hall, she met Tom Hyatt. They were married January 21, 1950. The city girl moved to the ranch 17 miles north of Deming. They lived in half of the hay barn with no electricity only a wood stove and coal oil lamps. After several months they started building a small two-bedroom house. She quickly learned the workings of ranch life and loved it.

Betty was always active in many community organizations and events. She was a member of Chapter AT, P.E.O., and a founding member of Cancer Support of Deming & Luna County. She owned and operated Quest Realty in Deming for many years. Governor Bruce King appointed her to the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board. She later served on the New Mexico State Fair Board, appointed by Governor Garrey Carruthers. She was active in People for the West, Luna County CowBelles, Deming Board of Realtors, Rotary and Silver Spikes.

Betty’s greatest joy was her family and the family ranching business. She has lived on the Flying U Ranch since marrying Tom in 1950.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Thomas Leedrue Hyatt; a grandson, Ryan Thomas Hyatt; a great-granddaughter, Jesi Hyatt and a sister, Carolyn Gross.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Brantley and husband George, Jim Hyatt and wife Faye and Leedrue Hyatt and wife Sandy; grandchildren, Benton Hyatt and wife Carli, Betsy Brantley Johnson, Seth Hyatt and wife Candace, Tom Brantley and wife Crystal, Brady Kuenstler and husband Bud, and Garrett Hyatt; and fifteen (15) great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren affectionately call her Gam.

She is also survived by half-sisters; Alice Cothern, Velma Jean Boone, Cathy Philips-Olsen, Denise Beck, Debra Grandjean and Alma Franzoy-Capron; also, her loyal friend and companion, her shih-tzu, Collie.

The family appreciates the care Betty had at Solstice Senior Living and Wendy and staff at Help at Home in Las Cruces.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to your favorite charity or organization.

Matthew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

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