Betty Jo Holt was born Dec. 15, 1926, the 2 ^nd of four children of Elbert and Edith (Hooton) Graham of rural Lowell, AR.  She had an older brother, Clarence Dean, who died in infancy and two younger sisters, Verda Mae and Francis.  Betty's family moved around a lot which she did not like because she was a quiet child who did not get acquainted with people easily.  Eventually, her parents were able to buy a small farm near Garfield, AR.

Betty graduated from Garfield High School and then attended Draughons Business College in Springfield, MO for a year.  She worked at Edwards Hatchery in Springfield for 10 years before starting her family and becoming a homemaker.  While working for the hatchery, Betty met a young man, Walter Holt, who eventually became her husband on June 26, 1949.  In the early 1950's, Walter was called into the Army and spent 10 months in Korea.  While Walter was away, Betty continued to work at the hatchery and kept the home fires burning.  To this union, they added two children, Mark Lee and Shirley Ann.  Shortly after Mark was born, Walter's father passed away.  Walter and Betty moved to Hilda, MO for five years to help care for his mother, operate a general store, and raise beef cattle.  Walter's mother decided to sell out and move to Springfield.  Times were hard, jobs were scarce, but Walter eventually got a job with Frisco RR and he retired from there with 20 years of service.

In retirement, Betty and Walter enjoyed going to auctions, flea markets, and garage sales and made many friends as they searched for treasures.  She loved her family, her church, country music, red velvet doughnuts and the Lady Bears.  She was completely selfless, always putting others needs before her own.  Betty was a wonderful caregiver to several of her and Walter's relatives in their last days.

On Jan 5, 2014, Betty lost the love of her life after 64 ½ years of marriage.  Betty was left alone with the house to care for.  As her eyesight was worsening and with other health issues, Betty decided she should make a change.  After over 50 years in the same house, she had an auction and moved to Cedar Falls, IA in 2018 to be near Shirley and Howard, her husband.

Betty is survived by her son, Mark (Michelle) Holt of Aurora, MO; her daughter, Shirley (Howard) Uehle of Cedar Falls; two grandchildren, Matt Cross and Molly (Daniel) Brown; a sister, Francis Krueger of St. Genevieve, MO; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother, Clarence Dean, in infancy; a sister, Verda Mae Cline; and brothers-in- law, John B. Cline and LeRoy Krueger.

A visitation will be held July 21 ^st from 4-6 PM at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO with private family burial at Ozark Memorial Cemetery in Branson, MO.  The family kindly requests that you wear properly fitted masks.  In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Betty's memory with a contribution to East Grand Church of Christ, Cedar Valley Hospice or your favorite charity.