Bettye Lou Watson (Reeves) of Springfield, MO passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

She was born in Sherman, Texas on January 24, 1931 to William and Arlene (Ring) Reeves.

Bettye was always at the top of her class and grad­uated High School early.

In 1946, after the war, Bettye met the love of her life, J.C. Watson. They married and moved to West Texas where the family farm was. They would re­side in Sweetwater while Bettye, not knowing that was the home of the Annual Rattlesnake Roundup.

To that union, two daughters were born, Beth Holden and Becky Cameron, both of Springfield, MO.

J.C. and Bettye decided they wanted greener yards with fewer rattlesnakes for their daughters, so they leased the family farm and moved North relo­cating to the rural West Plains, MO area.

Bettye was always a pioneer in life and embarked upon a professional career at Sears and Roebuck in West Plains where she quickly became the store manager and retained that position for over thirty (30) years.

Bettye was active in Beth and Becky's busy lives, either making cheerleading outfits or carpooling always with a lot of unsolicited advice.

Bettye also played the organ at St. Mary's Catholic Church for over 30 years.

After retirement, Bettye enjoyed volunteering at the West Plains Hospital and other local charities.

Bettye moved to Springfield in 2014 to be closer to her daughters and families.

Bettye was preceded in death by the love of her life, James Chester Watson, her sister, Marilee (Reeves) Baxter and husband Lloyd Baxter, and son-in-law Dwayne Holden.

Bettye is survived by her two loving daughters, Beth Holden and Becky Cameron (Walt). All of Springfield.

Grandchildren Justin Johnson (Larissa), Josh Johnson (Katy), Joel Johnson (Beth), Jessica Murray (Ross) and Mark Johnson.

Great grandchildren Bradley McCollum, Kyler Thompson, Kameron John­son, Cooper Johnson, James, Theo and Samuel Johnson, Ellie and Mitchell Murray, Thadeous Johnson.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 East Bennett Street in Springfield under the care and direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to Mass at 11:30 am in the Holy Trinity Sanctuary Lobby.

Catholic Graveside service Monday, January 25 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bettye's family would like to thank the Springfield Villa for their wonder­ful care Bettye was given, as well as Phoenix Home Healthcare-Hospice for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, POB 9226, Springfield, MO 65801.