Elizabeth (Bette) Wilcox, 90, died peacefully in St. John's Hospital on March 2, 2011. Elizabeth Vernell Foster was born to Vernel and Leola Foster in Waco, Missouri, and grew up in Carl Junction, Missouri, where she graduated from high school before moving to Springfield for nurse's training. Bette graduated from St. John's School of Nursing in 1941 and married Charles H. Wilcox later that year. She enjoyed working as a nurse and loved being the mother of Kirby and Patti. Even while being a wonderful homemaker and working at St. John's Hospital, Bette was involved in organizations and activities which reflected her husband's and children's interests. She was an ardent supporter of young people and felt public perceptions did not give them enough credit. During the many decades when Bette and her family were members of Central Christian Church, she appreciated the ministers and the friendships in the Homebuilders Class, and she volunteered at Vacation Bible School and fundraisers for youth programs. She found great pleasure in singing and listening to hymns. Bette spent many hours sitting in the bleachers at her son's baseball games, and she enjoyed walking and bowling, too. She was recognized as an outstanding bridge player. In recent years Bette and Charles were members of Brentwood Christian Church; however, their health prevented them from attending services. They were grateful for visits from the ministers and the lovely cards they received. They felt a sense of involvement even while at home. As Bette aged, she became more outspoken and feisty. Her family and friends enjoyed laughing with her and were amazed by her keen mind. Tenderness and insight were deeply valued gifts Bette shared with those she loved. Bette was under the care of Hospice Compassus from October of 2009 until May of 2010 when she graduated from their faithful caregiving. For several months Bette was able to enjoy short outings with her dearly loved caregiver Mary Baldwin. Bette was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Virginia Duckworth, her brothers Pat Foster and Dick Foster, and by her son Capt. Charles Kirby Wilcox. Bette is survived by her devoted daughter-in-law, Linda Wilcox Lindsay; her cherished daughter and son-in-law, Patti and John Dusel; her brother, Steve Foster; her loving grandchildren and their spouses, Curt and Chrissy Lindsay, Brett Lindsay, Kirby and Angela Dusel, and Nicole and Paul Dorway. She loved knowing and hearing stories of her greatgrandchildren, Ryan Lindsay (and his mother Kelly), J.R. Dusel, Nathan Dorway, Emily Dusel, Ava Lindsay, and Lincoln Dorway. Bette adopted her neighbors Willie, Debbie, Austin, and Chandler Grega who brought her great joy. Her long-time caregiver Mary Baldwin and Mary's family became part of her beloved family. Visits from Susan and Irwin Cohen brightened her days. The kindness of her many nephews and nieces touched her deeply, and the willingness of friends to respond to any need was greatly appreciated by Bette. The family is grateful for the caregivers of Home Sweet Home Care who faithfully cared for Bette. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011 in Brentwood Christian Church under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions may be made to Brentwood Christian Church, 1900 E. Barataria, Springfield, MO 65804, or to Kimberling Area Library, P.O. Box 730, Kimberling City, MO 65686. Services are pending.