She was a stalwart of both the arts centre and the national art textile community.
But her art lives on in the latest display at the centre.
Born and bred into Clutha district dairy farming, Mrs Booth became a beloved authority in New Zealand’s textile community, dedicating her life to weaving, embroidery and spinning, and was instrumental in the founding of Balclutha Community Arts Centre
Specialising in flax-linen, she became expert at spinning and weaving with every kind of fibre from silk to wool, with the support and practical skills of her husband of 64 years, Graeme, who built every kind of loom she asked for.
"We grew up in the same area," Mr Booth said.
"After a dance in Milton in 1956, we never parted."
"We converted the coal shed on the farm into the weaving workshop, and I’d be standing way across the lawn, holding all the fibres through the window while Betty dressed them on to the loom inside."
As Mrs Booth earned top awards creating and selling work at exhibitions and fashion events, she discovered she was also a gifted teacher.
With looms built by her husband, she travelled New Zealand to lead weaving workshops from country schools to elite studios attended by international visitors.
She wrote about her love of working with children and their excitement upon discovering the thrill of textiles.
She was appointed to local and national fibre craft associations and helped design new loom technology.
"We were so lucky to have a force like Betty Booth here in little old Clutha," arts centre secretary Mandy Newall said.
"Betty taught us, and now we’re able to pass on what we learned from her."
The Clyde St exhibition is showcasing textile work from more local specialists and club craft workers until tomorrow and much of the work is available for purchase.
Proceeds from the sale of Mrs Booth’s own, increasingly rare, life’s work will be donated to the Cancer Society.
