Betty Jean Watts was born August 15, 1928, and left this life on September 23, 2026, from Ozarks Methodist Manor in Marionville, Missouri, at the age of 98 years, 1 month, and 8 days.

Betty grew up in the rural community of Thomasville, Oregon County, Missouri. She lived in Missouri and Washington state, and possibly other places as she liked adventure. She worked in manufacturing at Lily-Tulip in Springfield, Missouri, and also spent time as a nurse’s aide and housekeeper; however, she was most known for being a great homemaker, daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was cheerful and easy going. She loved nature, fishing and spending time at the Lake. She was very fond of cats but found no use for dogs. She relaxed with cards and puzzles and a good cup of coffee. Her favorite foods were strawberry milkshakes and potato salad.

Betty was preceded in death by her mother Edith Ledbetter Rardin (1961); her father Roy Dale Rardin (1991); four sisters- Beaulah Snider (1992), Cleo Christian (1997), Marie Ledgerwood (2012), Lura Scoville (2025); her husband John R. Watts (1982); and her daughter Geneva Beth Tracy (2015).

Survivors include two grandsons- Dan Brannock (Tawanna) of Texas and Erin Adair (Amanda) of Colorado; three great grandchildren- Ashton and Layne Adair, and Paige Killingsworth; and many other family members and friends.

Betty had a warm and caring nature that sustained many long-term relationships. We are grateful she lived a long life and passed peacefully but will forever miss her smiles and hugs.