Betty Lou Day passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024 at Heisinger Senior Living Center in Jefferson City, MO. Betty was born in Hoxi, Arkansas on July 11, 1929 to Oscar and Mildred Smith. She graduated from Sloan Hendrix High School in Imboden before moving to Springfield, Missouri to attend business school. Betty had a long and happy career as an executive assistant at Mid America Dairy in Springfield. Betty married Ralph Day in 1969 who passed away in 1981. She remained true to his memory for the rest of her life.
Betty was known for her love of outdoor activities such as fishing (especially sucker grabbing), water skiing, and ice/roller skating. Gardening and canning her harvest were especially satisfying to Betty. She often commented, “I love to play in the dirt.” Betty was an excellent cook and family gatherings were
always held at her home near Nixa. Betty was a devoted long time member of Ozark United Methodist Church of Ozark, Missouri. She enjoyed lifelong friendships from her church community, which she considered her extended family. Upon retirement, Betty enjoyed volunteering as a clown in senior centers and church events, using it as another way to serve the Lord. She was also a devoted sponsor of Victory Mission among other charities.
She is preceded in death by parents Oscar and Mildred Smith, her husband Ralph Day, her brothers Bill and Bob Smith and sister in-law Mignon “Nonnie” Smith. Betty was a loving and devoted aunt and will be greatly missed by her niece and nephews as well as her great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Ozark United Methodist Church in Ozark, Missouri or Victory Mission & Ministry of Springfield, MO in Betty’s name.
Graveside Funeral Services for Betty will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 19, 2024 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Ava, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
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Marianne Morgan says
January 27, 2024 at 4:23 pmBetty was a special lady to me. She intertained the residents at the Nursing home where i was an activety director. In 1993 until 2000. She always had so much energy and loved giving enjoyment to all the people she meet.