Betty Barnes Peden was born on August 19, 1926, in Springfield, Missouri. She resided there until meeting and marrying her husband Bill in March of 1947 in Gulfport, Mississippi. After moving to Jackson, Mississippi, she had four children, Pat, Ginger, Nancy, and Bill, and lived there until Bill passed away. She returned to her beloved Springfield in 1993, where she lived in the house that her father built on the street named for the Barnes family. She died peacefully on July, 12, 2013 after a courageous three-month battle. Betty was a dedicated wife and loving mother to her four children. She always encouraged them to always act with kindness and to seek their own dreams. She had a gentle, soft-spoken spirit and never said a bad word about anyone. She loved to be surrounded by her family. She was always ready to have fun and laughs with friends and family. Her humor caused many, many bouts of uncontrollable laughter. Betty was a life-long member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, where she never missed attending summer Vacation Bible School during her childhood. She attended Greenwood Lab School for her entire education. She told many stories of antics with her classmates throughout those 12 years. During that time she was an active Girl Scout troop member. She also attended Missouri State University (formerly known as SMS in her day). Betty had many hobbies throughout her life. Most recently, she enjoyed leisurely reading her daily newspaper while sipping her morning cups of coffee, and also enjoyed biographies and true-life adventure books. She loved looking out her front window and watching all the birds, especially the hummingbirds, feeding on her porch. She spent hours sewing embellished crewel stitchery pieces, most of which were presented by her to many members of her family to be cherished for years to come. She also enjoyed piano playing, Mahjong, Solitaire, tole painting, and her aquarium. Betty enjoyed traveling, making trips to Nova Scotia, British Columbia, South Korea, and extensive jaunts all over the United States with her best friend and companion, Glen Perkins. She belonged to numerous organizations and clubs, holding office in several: President of AARP local chapter, Board Member of the Hospitality Club, and active member of the Birthday Bashers Club, the Fourth Tuesday Bunko group, and the Greenwood Lab School Alumni. She immensely enjoyed the time she spent volunteering at the Bass Pro Wildlife Museum, where the otters held a special place in her heart. Her vast mementos collection includes Betty Boop, Mary Engelbreit, Snow Babies, wolves, and roosters. Betty Peden was a lover of life. She cherished every moment with her family, her friends, and her beloved pets. She will be missed beyond words. The family she left behind includes: her children Pat Adams and her husband Dan, Ginger Peden, Nancy Barnes, and Bill Peden and his wife Joyce; her grandchildren Shane Watford, Angela Davis, Tracey Bivins, Josh Watford, Danny Adams, Marie Russo, Brian Russo, and Wendy Young; her great-grandchildren Kristina Watford, Kandi Watford, Marki Geyer, Caden Davis, Kathryn Watford, Alyson Watford, Arlene Adams, Nathaniel Young, and Lilliana Young; and her great-great-grandchildren Adam Geyer and Gemma Geyer.