Betty Jean Wilson Smith Aldridge passed from this life into her heavenly home on Friday, January 9th 2015. She was born Betty Jean Wilson to Samuel and Virginia (Duncan) Wilson on June 25th, 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Betty grew up in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis graduating from Shortridge High School where she loved to sing in choir. Betty was a loving mother and dedicated military wife supporting her husbands' military careers stateside and overseas. Always a 'Hoosier' at heart she loved returning to Indianapolis to visit friends and family whenever possible. Two of Betty's favorite assignments were Naples, Italy where our family lived for 3 years in the 1950's and Honolulu, Hawaii our family's last military assignment. Betty was in her element as a loving wife and mother always setting up a welcoming home for her family where ever military orders might lead. In April of 1980 Betty and her second husband Emmitt retired to Springfield, Missouri where she found a second family at Empire Bank. Betty had worked full-time all of her life in the field of bookkeeping and by joining Empire Bank at their main branch she made a new circle of friends including Judy, Elaine, Maria and Della. Betty was also popular at the bank for her Apple Dumplings which she loved to bake and share. Our mother was an outstanding cook and loved being in the kitchen. She always devoted herself to the needs of others and felt that she had been blessed by God with such a loving family and wonderful life. She never missed a chance to tell others about how proud she was of her children and how much she loved her grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her husband SMSGT Emmitt Aldridge, father Samuel Wilson, mother Virginia Wilson Murrell, loving step-father Charles Murrell and her first husband SFC Ralph Smith. She is survived by her children Steven Smith and wife Kathie of Indianapolis, Michael Smith and wife Mary of Fresno, Julia Smith Fuller and husband Brad of Springfield, Sherl Aldridge Sly and husband Brian of Springfield. Betty is also survived by her grandchildren Matthew Smith, Benjamin Fuller, Dalton Sly, and Kaitlin Sly. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Penelope Smith, Sebastian Smith and Vyvyan Smith. Our family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of The Gardens Assisted Living for easing Mom's transition from her family home. She enjoyed many fun activities there including singing in choir once again. In addition, we also send our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Jordan Creek for the wonderful care Mom received in their Alzheimer's Care Unit. The staff always loved on our sweet Betty and treated her like she was their mother too. We especially wish to send our appreciation to Elaina, Brandy, Laura, Linda, Rose and all of her special caregivers for their tender loving care. Our Mother was always quick with a smile and a hug and brought joy into the lives of all who knew her. She lived with a strong faith in God and never missed a chance to tell her family that she loved them. Betty lived a full life and always kept a song in her heart. She is at rest now knowing that her friends and family will keep all of her memories for her and remember the love that she shared every day of her life. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, January 13, at 2 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Monday from 7-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, 1630 West Elfindale Street, Springfield, MO 65807.