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Submitted: 5/27/16 • Approved: 9/23/21 • Last Updated: 9/26/21 • R791880-G791880-S3
James
US ARMY AIR FORCES
May 24, 1924
Jul 29, 2005
Bettye
Jan 24, 1931
Jan 20, 2021
Bettye Lou Watson (Reeves) of Springfield, MO passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
She was born in Sherman, Texas on January 24, 1931 to William and Arlene (Ring) Reeves.
Bettye was always at the top of her class and graduated High School early.
In 1946, after the war, Bettye met J.C. Watson. They married and moved to West Texas where the family farm was. They would reside in Sweetwater while Bettye, not knowing that was the home of the Annual Rattlesnake Roundup.
J.C. and Bettye decided they wanted greener yards with fewer rattlesnakes for their daughters, so they leased the family farm and moved North relocating to the rural West Plains, MO area.
Bettye was always a pioneer in life and embarked upon a professional career at Sears and Roebuck in West Plains where she became the store manager and retained that position for over 30 years.
Bettye also played the organ at St. Mary's Catholic Church for over 30 years.
After retirement, Bettye enjoyed volunteering at the West Plains Hospital and other local charities.
Bettye moved to Springfield in 2014 to be closer to her daughters and families.
Bettye was preceded in death by James Chester Watson, her sister, Marilee (Reeves) Baxter and husband Lloyd Baxter, and son-in-law Dwayne Holden.
Bettye is survived by her two daughters, Beth Holden and Becky Cameron (Walt).
Grandchildren Justin Johnson (Larissa), Josh Johnson (Katy), Joel Johnson (Beth), Jessica Murray (Ross) and Mark Johnson.
Great grandchildren Bradley McCollum, Kyler Thompson, Kameron Johnson, Cooper Johnson, James, Theo and Samuel Johnson, Ellie and Mitchell Murray, Thadeous Johnson.
Catholic graveside service Monday, January 25 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.
Published in News-Leader Jan. 22, 2021.
Contributed on 5/27/16 by mjrwag
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Record #: 791880