So the news Orange Show Society stalwart Betty Naylor has died has certainly left a void.

She was one of a kind - not only in the eyes of her family but in the wider context of the community through her extraordinary commitment to ensure the success of the Orange show.

50 years ago Mrs Naylor, still a teenager, went along to her first Orange Show Society meeting and just two weeks ago she attended her very last meeting.

But it was a special meeting where despite her failing health she beamed with pleasure as her five decades of service to the show were rewarded with the bestowing of the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW award for her service.

Through her love of birds, and particularly canaries which were her favourite, Mrs Naylor and her family became prolific winners of ribbons at the show, but it was just one aspect of Mrs Naylor’s involvement.

STORY: City mourns the loss of a show stalwart

She epitomised the true spirit of a volunteer - one who made up the rich tapestry of the many who volunteer in our community for a variety of causes.

Mrs Naylor held a number of offices during her years with the show society and no task was too big or too small.

She was a foot soldier in the true sense of the word - pounding the pavement to ask businesses to support the show with sponsorship.

At other times she would sit for hours at her kitchen table sorting much of the necessary paperwork to ensure the smooth running of the show.

The outpouring of expressions of sympathy from members of the Showman’s Guild from across Australia, is a true indication of the high esteem in which Mrs Naylor was held by those associated with the show.

Of course ‘the show must go on’, but will it ever be quite the same without Betty Naylor?