Betty Ruth Carlson, 69, of Springfield, died peacefully on November 25, 2016. She was born in Mt. Judea, AR, the daughter of Ted and Catherine (Hefley) Coonts. Betty and Nels Carlson were married for 51 years.

Betty was a very loving and caring wife, mother grandmother and friend. Her family was the center of her attention and they enjoyed many happy and wonderful times together.

In addition to her husband Nels, Betty is survived by her children, Tammy Toole and her husband Larry, Tracey Carlson-McKnight and her husband Jay, Keith Carlson and his wife Christi and Kelly Speer and her husband Matthew; 6 grandchildren, Austin, Courtney, Christian, Grayson, Hunter and Cameron; and her great granddaughter, Carter.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Jimmy and Jerry; and her sister, Dorothy Jean.

Betty's family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00PM on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte Chapel, 4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO. There will be private funeral services.