Betty Jane Tucker

Betty Jane Tucker, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Jan. 30, peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Gatewood, Mo., on April 23, 1930. She married Willard Tucker on July 7, 1950. They spent the next 50 years living in St Louis and had two children, Teri Tucker Posey and Phillip Thomas Tucker.

Betty worked for Hazelwood School District for many years as a Teacher’s Aide. She met countless friends along the way. She was active in Girl Scouts, a member of the Women’s Bowling League, and a member of St Mark’s Methodist Church. Willard and Betty moved to Nevada in 2002 and were fortunate to meet many more great friends. They were also proud “Winter Texans” and spent many winters on South Padre Island.

Betty was distinguished by an inordinate amount of common sense, sageness, practicality, and wisdom — qualities that were almost always true and right on target. Betty’s kind heart and soul shined brightly throughout her life. She dearly loved all people, children, dogs and cats, beautiful flowers, her many friends, stylish fashion, and her family, including her cat Tom Tom.

All of her family, from her sister to her many nieces and nephews, and especially her two children and son-in-law, will miss her in too many ways to count. She was a great mother with a big heart.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, in 2013, who always referred to her as “a poor man’s Elizabeth Taylor.” Survivors include her daughter, Teri Posey and husband, Christopher, of Nevada; and her son, Phillip Thomas Tucker, PhD, of Davenport, Fla. She also leaves behind her sister, Lee Crowley, of Prescott, Ariz.

Interment will be at Doniphan Cemetery in Doniphan, Mo., at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to St Jude Children’s Hospital or Vernon County Animal Shelter in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.