Services for Betty Joyce Ambrose, 82, of Deville were held April 21, in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home, with the Rev. Harold Ralph Ambrose officiating. Interment followed in Alexandria-Pineville National Cemetery. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Ambrose, Jr.; grandmother, Elizabeth Kelly Mac-Donald; parents, Virgil and Jewel MacDonald Spears; sister, Geraldine Berry; and granddaughters, Megan Ambrose, Jessica Ambrose, and Destiny Ambrose. Betty was a graduate of Oakdale High School, and graduated with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from LSU. She had a great passion for Law Enforcement work, being the first ranking female officer for the Alexandria Police Department. Betty started as a meter maid; she then worked as a Sergeant, a Juvenile Officer and a Detective, for APD. Betty also worked with Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, as the sheriff’s secretary, Juvenile Officer and a crime scene photographer. She helped to start the first Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department Lady’s Auxiliary. The Ambrose family would like to thank J. Michael Small for believing in our mother and helping her achieve her ambition of opening doors for women in law enforcement. She was the loving wife of a career United States Air Force Technical Sergeant for over 22 years, until his retirement when they both made a career in law enforcement, all while raising their five children. Betty’s life passions were her husband, children, grandchildren, motorcycle riding and racing, traveling, reading, cooking and taking care of all her beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband throughout the United States, including Alaska. She is loved and will be missed by her family and many, many friends. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Sue Ambrose Manuel of Pineville, Norman “Shug” Ambrose, III and his wife, Bonnie, of Deville, Tommy Ambrose, Sr. and his wife, Kelly, of Deville, Bobby Ambrose and his wife, Nell, of Colfax, and Brian Ambrose and his wife, Cindy, of Montgomery; 14 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.The family would like to thank the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini ER staff, the ICU doctors, nurses and staff; the staff of Health South; along with all of the caring professionals of Naomi Heights Nursing Facility, for all of the compassion and care given to Ms. Betty. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To extend online notes of condolence to the Ambrose Family, please visit us at www.KramerFunerals.com.
July 15, 2026
