Betty Jean Nitz, 88, of Springfield, MO passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 26, 2013, in Mercy Hospital after a courageous battle with pneumonia and an extensive surgery. Betty was born February 21, 1925, in Calhoun, MO to Noel and Maggie Martin Finks. Betty was a member of the Elks Lodge 409 Ladies Auxiliary. She had worked part-time at Heer's Department Store and sold Avon door-to-door in the 60's. She was a wonderful cook, gardener, card player, mother, wife, grandparent, and great-grandparent. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, one sister, and a grandson Wade Johnson. Betty is survived by a son Jeff Nitz of Springfield, MO, two daughters, Connie Johnson and husband Leroy of Afton, OK, and Sybil Armstrong and husband Charley of Springfield, MO, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Monday, July 1, 2013 at 2pm at South Street Christian Church under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A visitation with the family will be held at 1pm before the service in the Narthex at South Street Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to South Street Christian Church, 500 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at a later date.