Betty started her career in the food service industry in high school where she worked as a waitress and helped her mother in the kitchen of Islay Dairy Store in Tiffin, Ohio. Beginning 1955 to 1962 she served as a Church Hostess at Collingwood United Methodist Church in Toledo, Ohio where she was a member. In 1956, Betty won the Mrs. Toledo title in the Mrs. America Contest sponsored by the Young Matrons of the Y.W.C.A. After this award, she began catering in the homes and churches of different organizations, special people and events.