Betty Balser

Betty Jo Balser of Mexico died peacefully in her home at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010. She and her husband, Douglas, had been residents of Mexico for 61 years, where they had a family farming business.

Betty was born in Webster Groves, MO, the second of three daughters to Joseph and Vertie (John) Worley. She married Doug in August 1946 and they enjoyed 63 years spending their lives together and raising and enjoying their family.

Betty was a homemaker and had worked in various volunteer roles throughout the community, including Audrain 4-H and Red Cross blood drives. Many years ago, she was very active with Carter School and was a leader of the Carter Cavalier s 4-H Club. She was a member of St. Matthew s Episcopal Church, and enjoyed bird watching, sewing, painting and drawing, cooking, gardening, their cattle business, and long drives in the country.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas, and their four children. Sherrie Balser Jones and husband, Jim, Buckner, Mo.; Tom Balser and wife, Mary, Shelbyville, Mo.; Joan Balser and companion, Linda Stefacek, St. Louis, Mo.; and Bobette Balser Wilson and husband, Warren, Thompson, Mo. She is survived by her sister, Dotty Frier and was predeceased by her older sister, Anne McCown. She is also survived by ten grandchildren Sheila, Jennifer, Shara, Tara, Nick, Tim, Douglas, Kelly, Audry, and Courtney; three great grandchildren Jake, Carson and Denver; and two soon-to-be great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at St. Matthew s Episcopal Church, 1100 S. Grove, Mexico, Mo.

The family requests memorials to be given to St. Matthew s Episcopal Church or to the Simmons Stable Preservation Fund. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

She will be missed so very much.