Betty Jean Nelson

Betty Jean Nelson, 77, died Feb. 21, 2012. She was born April 11, 1934, on the family farm near Foster, Mo., to Walter and Wanda Zwahlen.

Betty attended Rich Hill High School and graduated in 1948. In 1954, she married Lester guy Nelson and to this union three children were born, Terrea Reanee, Lester Guy and Malcolm Trent.

Betty worked at the Missouri State School and Hospital in Nevada, Mo., for many years as a secretary. After retirement she enjoyed working part-time at the Dusty Attic and antiques were a favorite interest of hers. She also worked as an Avon consultant. Some of her favorite pasttimes were gardening, going to garage sales and adding to her frog figurine collection. She enjoyed sharing her hobbies with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Wanda Zwahlen; her stepfather, Bill Reedy; and one granddaughter, Tiffany Nicole Wescott.

She is survived by her brother, Bill Reedy and wife, Sue; sister, Helen Yost and husband, Roy; children, Reanee Nelson, Guy and Alice Nelson, Trent and Janet Nelson; grandchildren, Jason Wescott, Jeff Wescott, Saline Crouch and husband, Jeremy, Erin Battagler and husband, Travis, Taylor Nelson, Jessica Nelson, Lexi Nelson, Trinity (Nelson) Bennett and husband, Micah, and Dustin Nelson; and four great-grandchildren.

Betty was known by all as a very hard working, energetic, independent woman. She was an inspiration to her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m., at the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Mo., with the Rev. Bill Perkey officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Rich Hill.

Casket bearers are Jason Wescott, Jeff Wescott, Dustin Nelson, Micah Bennett, Todd Reedy, Scott Kraus, Doug Wescott and Tom Whitten Jr.