Elizabeth "Betty" Edgar Bristow, 89, a long time resident of St. Joseph, Mo., died Friday,April 29, 2011 at Ash Grove Healthcare Facility, in Ash Grove, Mo. Betty, the daughter of Alva C. and Alice G. Connor Edgar, was born on March 5, 1922 and grew up in Trenton, Mo. Betty was a graduate of Trenton High School and received her Bachelor's of Nursing degree from St. Louis University in January 1946. She was an instructor of Anatomy and of Medical and Surgical Nursing for the University and Director of Nursing at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton, Mo. She set up the curriculum for the first Practical Nursing School for the Federal government and was the first instructor and coordinator for the school in Kansas City, Mo. In St. Joseph, Mo, Betty was an instructor and supervisor of Obstetrics at Missouri Methodist Medical Center and School of Nursing. The Missouri State Board of Nursing presented her with a gold certificate commemorating 50 years of service as a registered nurse in February 2006. While attending St. Louis University she met her husband to be, Dr. Robert Bristow, who was receiving his Medical Degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. They met again one night over an emergency C-section when Betty was serving as Director of Nursing at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton, Mo. They were married on January 24, 1947 and shared 48 years together. Betty was a member of the St. Joseph Junior League and played the part of the Queen in Sleeping Beauty and the Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk with the Children's Theater. She was the Story Lady for a year and a half on KQTV with a weekly show doing illustrated children's classics for the St. Joseph Public Library. Betty was a volunteer librarian at the Co-Cathedral and taught early St. Joseph and Missouri history for 6 years. Betty was a long time member and past president of the St. Joseph PEO chapter BP. Betty has been a supporter and life member of Patee House Museum in St. Joseph, Mo. since its inception in the late 1950s and she served as Executive Secretary to the original board of directors. On a rotating board of directors, she served as Interim President, First VP, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. She received the Pony Express Historical Association Millennium Volunteer award for outstanding dedication and lifetime commitment to the Pony Express Historical Association, Patee House Museum, and the Jesse James Home. In September 2005, she received a certificate of appreciation in recognition of valuable contributions to the Pony Express Historical Association, Patee House Museum, and Jesse James Home for over 40 years of service. She supported a number of organizations and charities over the years. Betty was a member of the First Christian Church and served as Children's "Choir Mother" for many years. In later years she was a member of the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral. She was also a member of the St. Joseph Country Club and the Benton Club, as well as the University of Missouri Jefferson Club and Andrew County Touring Tigers. She also helped her husband raise cattle in Andrew County. In October 2008, Betty moved to Ash Grove, Mo, to be closer to family. In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Deborah Bristow Niece (Ronald), of Fairway, KS, and Suzanne Bristow Greiner, of Hidden Valley, PA, and a son, Robert B. Bristow, Jr. (Anne), of Walnut Grove, MO., nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Betty's family and friends will remember her as a loving, devoted woman who was always generous with her support, time, talents, and love. Memorial services will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, May 14, 2011 at First Christian Church, 927 Faraon, St. Joseph, MO with the Rev. Chase Peeples officiating. The body has been cremated. There will be a private luncheon immediately following the service at the Benton Club. At 1P.M. there will be a private mass in the Horigan Chapel at Mt. Olivet Cemetary officiated by Father Ron Will of St. Francis Xavier Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patee House Museum, 12th and Penn, Box 1022 St. Joseph, MO 64502