Betty Jo Huddleston
Betty Jo Huddleston
Graveside services for Betty Jo Huddleston, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Elk Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
At 86 years old, Betty’s work here on earth is now complete and God called her home on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri. While they will miss her greatly, Betty’s family and friends will hold dear to countless memories of her.
She was born November 29, 1933, to Floyd Lester Gannon and Delma Lorine McLellan Gannon. Betty grew up in West Plains and was a member of the 1951 graduating class at West Plains High School. On July 25, 1953, just shy of her 20th birthday, Betty married the love of her life, Lester Huddleston. She and Lester enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing in 1998. Throughout her life, Betty found ways to help others. She was thoughtful and generous, known to share whatever she had with others. She was an excellent cook, an accomplished seamstress and very creative with crafting and handiwork. Many friends and family members have pillows, cards, pictures and other items that were both designed and handmade by Betty. In her late years, Betty developed a writing ‘ministry.’ She wrote to widows, shut-ins and others often. Betty wrote as many as 40 cards and letters per month. Her friends would say Betty’s letters would always lift them and brighten their day. One lady told Betty that just when she was about to give up, she would get a letter from Betty, cheering her on. Betty accepted Jesus as her Savior at an early age and in her later years as she was able, she attended Victoria Mission Church where she was a member. Six months ago, she became a resident of Pleasant Valley Manor in West Plains. Betty mentioned daily how she loved everyone there. It seems God meant for her to be there, to encourage and help brighten the lives of other residents and staff. In fact, she often commented, even then, “God’s got a plan” and indeed, he did have.
Loved and cherished as Grandma Bet, Grammy, Grandma, Betty’s life was enriched over the past 12 years with the blessing of seven great-grandchildren: Emma, Elijah and Ellie Trantham; Hudson and Cason Patillo and Jackson and Elim Huddleston. Betty always had a drawer filled with candy for her seven greats. The candy drawer is just one of the many delightful memories these young ones will carry forward. The parents of these seven greats (Betty’s beloved grandchildren) are Ashley Patillo and husband, Trapper, West Plains, Amy Trantham and husband, Andy, Alton, Missouri and Nathan Huddleston and wife, Steph, Koshkonong, Missouri. Loved and cherished as mom, sister and friend, Betty is also survived by her son, Lyndell Huddleston and wife, Nancy, West Plains and daughter, Rita Jackson and husband, Phil, Springfield, Missouri; a beloved brother, Jack Gannon and wife, Rosalyn, New Market, Maryland; and sister-in-law, Shirley Gannon, West Plains.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Frank Gannon and Don Gannon and an infant sister, Dorothy
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11, KJV
The family would like to thank the staff and employees of Pleasant Valley Manor for their excellent care of mom for the last 6 months, and also the medical staff at Cox Medical Center South.
Mrs. Huddleston will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Kathy Beaty
September 24, 2020 @ 1:26 pm
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
I went to school with both Lyndell and Nancy and graduated with Rita class’75 WPHS
We are all getting at that age to loose our parents.
Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
May she rest in peace.
Kathy (Bray) Cozort-Beaty
Beverly Linson
September 24, 2020 @ 2:25 pm
Rita. so sorry for your loss,
Christine Gannon
September 24, 2020 @ 3:34 pm
Rest in peace, Aunt Betty Jo. Your passing has left a gap in our lives and we will miss you. We will cherish our memories. Love and condolences.
Christine, Anthony, Gabriel and Ava
Julie Chapin
September 24, 2020 @ 4:06 pm
Rita, so sorry you lost your dear Mother. I did not know her, but she sounds like she was an angel on Earth. Prayers for you and your family. Julie Chapin
Delia moody
September 24, 2020 @ 4:10 pm
Betty was such a sweet lady. I enjoyed helping her here at pleasant valley manor and helping her feel at home. She always made me smile! I will miss her very much. I loved her.
Karen and Joe Oldham
September 24, 2020 @ 4:18 pm
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Jan
September 24, 2020 @ 4:44 pm
My sympathies on your loss. Your Mom was a beautiful lady.
John and Judy Goss
September 24, 2020 @ 6:12 pm
Sorry for your loss..
Donna Newberry
September 24, 2020 @ 4:55 pm
Lyndell, Nancy and family sorry for loss of your beautiful Mother. Cherish your memories of good times.
Vici McCracken.
September 24, 2020 @ 5:14 pm
Rita, I’m so sorry you’ve lost your dear, sweet mother. What a lovely person she was. You are such a wonderful reflection of your mom and dad. I know Lester is smiling from ear to ear as he did in life. I love you girl.
Jan McGoldrick
September 24, 2020 @ 5:23 pm
Oh Rita, she was just the very best of the best. Such a positive influence on so many. You do have wonderful memories but still, it is so difficult to give up our parents. Hugs and prayers for you and your family. Jan and Tom McGoldrick
Brenda
September 24, 2020 @ 7:11 pm
Rita, love to your family. My God wrap you and your family in his arms giving you the peace and comfort needed. Your friend always, Brenda.
Barb Nix
September 24, 2020 @ 7:16 pm
Betty sent me one of her uplifting letters when my mother died. I never forgot that kindness. Please know that we care and we are so sorry for your loss…. Betty was a bright light and it continues to shine. Your friends, Barb and Joe Nix
Amber Redburn
September 24, 2020 @ 7:33 pm
Nathan, Stephanie, Jackson, and Elim,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of your Grandmother/Great Grandmother. Your family will be in my daily prayers/thoughts. May God comfort, encourage, and strengthen all of you daily. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Mrs. Amber
Sid and Colleen Collie
September 24, 2020 @ 10:13 pm
What a wonderful lady your Mom must have been. I wish I could have known her. She reminds me of Dorcas in the Bible. Always doing good for people. What a legacy! We are very blessed to know her daughter, Rita and son in law. They have come to be very special friends to us and brother and sisters in Christ. Love and miss them so much! Wish we could be there for you, but we can’t, but our love and prayers are with you always. Much love ,
Sid and Colleen
Jodie
September 25, 2020 @ 7:18 am
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mom, Reta and Lyndell. She left a legacy of love in her beautiful family. Much love to both of you.
Donna Newberry
September 25, 2020 @ 10:08 am
Lyndell , Nancy and family sorry for loss of your Mother.
Linda. Roth
September 25, 2020 @ 2:15 pm
Sorry for your loss know you will miss her greatly. Love to you and your family.Praying for you.
Trish Knox
September 25, 2020 @ 2:19 pm
RIta, I am so sorry for yor loss. I enjoyed visiting with your mom when she came to OTC. She was a beautful lady on the inside as as well as the outside. May God’s great love and your precious memories comfort both you and Lyndell and your families.
Ron & Ann Cowens
September 25, 2020 @ 11:05 pm
Lyndell,Nancy and family,Ron and I were so sorry to hear of your mothers passing.He has very fond memories of your mother and Faye.So hard letting go but someday we will all be together with our loved ones that have gone on.Love you guys.
Roger and Eleanor Williams Dubois, Wy.
September 27, 2020 @ 10:37 pm
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Huddleston. We will be remembering the family and know you will lean on Gods promises during this time.