Elizabeth Frances (Cleaves) Wilson, age 85, daughter of William Edgar and Leora Louise (Cowan) Cleaves, was born February 4, 1923, on Peaks Island, Maine. She passed away December 26, 2008, in the Golden Living Center, Branson, Mo.
She grew up on Peaks Island, Maine, and went to school at Portland High School, Portland, Maine.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, William Cleaves, Jr.; and a sister, Virginia McGlinchey.
She met her husband, Rex Wilson, in Portland, Maine, while he was stationed there while he was an engineer in the U. S. Army. They married in 1942 and to this union three children were born. They separated and divorced in 1960.
Betty’s hobbies included crocheting, knitting, gardening and flowers. She loved watching her birds, especially the hummingbirds. She had a great fondness for her pets (her last dog, Jacque, lived for 18 years).
She was a very open, loving person and she loved everyone.
Betty worked as a cook at the Horseshoe Drive Inn; worked as a grocery clerk at June’s Market. In 1978, she began working at Wal-Mart retiring after 10 years of employment.
She loved going to church and Sunday School. She was a member of the Houston United Methodist Church for many years.
Betty is survived by her sons, Bob Wilson of Hollister, Mo., James Wilson and wife Cora Mae of Houston, Mo., and Richard Wilson and wife Sarah of Warner Robins, Ga.; one daughter, Franci Sims of Trout Creek, Utah; 10 grandchildren, Angela, Tammy, Shelly, Eugene, Rosaleen, Crystal, Melody, Stacy, Heather and Holly; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great grandchildren.
She was a very caring and giving Mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed, but we know that she is enjoying the beauty of Heaven and is rejoicing in the presence of the One she has so long desired to meet. Her Christ-like character will be remembered by all.
Services were 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, at the Houston United Methodist Church with Rev. Lorraine Cleaves Anderson and Rev. Tom Tomlinson officiating. Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, at Evans Funeral Home, Houston, Mo. Cremation to follow services, per Betty’s wishes, under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to The Animal Shelter of Texas County or College of The Ozarks. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.