Beckee Townes Hutchens

It is with great sadness that the family of Beckee Lou (Townes) Hutchens, 72, announce that she passed away peacefully in her home of 48 years on the morning of Friday, September 20, 2024. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 at 4:00 PM, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. 

Beckee was the second daughter born to Billie Ruth Lamka and Robert Lee Townes on December 23, 1951 in Amarillo, TX. As a child, she had many pets and a great love for all God’s creatures. In the 7th grade, Beckee dreamt of owning her own pet shop. She attended High School at the “original” Amarillo High, located on Polk street. She met the Love of her life, Phillip Hutchens, during their childhood, and in 1972 they reconnected. The two married in April of 1974 and began their love story of over 50 years. On the day of their 5th wedding anniversary, Beckee and Phillip welcomed their first born son, Adam, and seven years later, they completed their family with a daughter, Shelbee. 

In an attempt to find her passion as a young adult, Beckee taught dog grooming for Amarillo College. She then worked as a payroll clerk at Halliburton Oil & Gas, and was an accounting clerk for Watson Operating Company. For four years, starting in 1988, she worked as the office manager for John Judge Attorney at Law, and In 1993, she obtained her Real Estate license and worked for Homestead Realty. 

In 1995, Beckee began working as a Manager for Pitter Patter Pets, and later that year took over ownership. She had finally accomplished her dream. With her ever-growing knowledge, she provided expert advice on how to care for and house the pets of Amarillo and the surrounding areas. Her specialties included reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals. She was an avid member of the Panhandle Humane Society, Panhandle SPCA, and the West Texas Herpetological Society. One of her greatest accomplishments, aside from her family, was successfully producing two albino Boa Constrictors. These Boas were the third independent strain bred in captivity. Beckee leaves behind an enduring legacy that will not soon be forgotten. She was a true trailblazer in the pet industry. 

She is proceeded in death by her mother and father, her step father Charles Lamka and step brothers, Rick and John Witt. 

Survivors include her husband, Phillip Hutchens, sister, Sheila Perry, son, Adam Hutchens and wife Chantel, daughter Shelbee Carlton and husband Matthew, and grandchildren, Bennett Hutchens, Jack and Jacob Carlton, Zylie Hutchens, Maxwell Logsdon, Hannah Logsdon, Zayden Clark, and Zyler Hernandez. 

When someone you love becomes a memory, That memory becomes a treasure.