Elizabeth "Betsy" Carol Wilcox, 95, of Springfield, MO passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. She was born on May 31, 1926 in Chicago, IL and was adopted as an infant by Homer E. and Frances Ryan Anderson. Her mother remarried while she was still a child and was then lovingly adopted by Chester L. Jones.

She attended schools in Terre Haute, IN and New York City. She graduated from Finch Junior College in New York City and then moved to Kansas City, MO. In 1949, she met and married the love of her life, Frank E. Wilcox, Jr. on November 26, 1949. They were blessed with six children.

The family moved in the summer of 1959 to Springfield MO, where she helped her husband start and build a paper recycling business, which became known as Midwest Fibre Sales. Betsy was devoted to her family and was active in her children's activities, involving scouting, music, sports, and family games. She also enjoyed family weekend outings to Table Rock Lake and socializing with close family friends. She loved the outdoors and her flower garden was filled with lots of day and tiger lilies, roses, irises, and marigolds.

She was Frank's constant companion, both in business and as his caretaker during their 70 years of marriage. When Frank retired, they moved to Table Rock Lake and enjoyed traveling to various countries around the world.

Betsy was a longtime member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She later on in life attended Wesley United Methodist Church with her daughter, Maggie.

Betsy was known for her caring and friendly nature. There was always a smile on her face and her laughter was contagious. Her support and love for everyone will be greatly missed.

Betsy was preceded in death by her husband Frank E. Wilcox Jr., her daughter Sharon Leigh Wilcox, her son Frank Alan Wilcox, her brother Homer "Andy" E. Anderson and her parents Frances R. and Chester L. Jones.

Betsy is survived by her daughters Maggie Wilcox, Tricia Varner and Susan Wilcox and her son, Adam Wilcox. She also has eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Fremont Senior Living Memory Care for their loving support and care for her during her final years. They also want to extend appreciation to Phoenix Home Care and Phoenix Hospice for their help during her last days.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Thursday, June 2, 2022 with visitation starting at 3 PM and followed by service at 4 PM. A graveside service follows at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation.

Betsy's Memorial Slideshow can be viewed here .