Betty Marie Douglass

Betty Marie Douglass, Mountain Grove, Missouri, was born on July 27, 1923, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Glen Wilber and Lucerne (Wardrop) Alderson. She became a Christian at age nine and was a lifelong member of the Greenwood Church of the Brethren. She went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 22, 2007, after surviving cancer for two years. She was blessed with 83 years, 7 months, and 23 days of vibrant life.
When Betty’s family moved to Mtn. Grove in 1926, the community could not have imagined the lasting impact her life would have. Her determination was evident at age 4, when she followed her brothers to Weatherford School, and not willing to be sent home, was allowed to begin her education. Her love of learning continued through the years of attending the Mtn. Grove schools. Betty’s MGHS graduating class of 1939 provided a lifetime of friendships full of love, laughter, and spontaneous adventure. After attending State Teacher’s College, Betty returned to her educational beginnings to teach in the one-room Weatherford School.
On September 20, 1944, Betty was married to Bill Douglass, Sr. They made their home in Impo(Dunn), Missouri, where they owned and operated Douglass Coal & Wrecking Company. Betty was the bookkeeper for the business for many years. They later moved to the family farm south of Mtn. Grove.
The birth of Bill, Jr., in 1945, was the beginning of a 40 year journey of rearing 13 children. Little did Mommy and Daddy know the impact this would have on their lives, the community, and the Mountain Grove Schools. With the death of her husband, Bill, on March 25, 1976, Betty was left to complete her final years of parenting alone. She spent many hours transporting kids back and forth to band, cheerleading, and sporting events. In the midst of all of this, she found time to take classes at SMS. She continued her college adventure until the age of 67, when technology changed the learning process. With no desire to become idle, Betty found great pleasure in traveling the back roads of Missouri learning firsthand it’s history and enjoying the beautiful landscape. The thrill of support and involvement in the lives of her children as well as grandchildren kept her entertained, and active, and youthful.
Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers, Bob and Glen Alderson: a son, Bill Jr.; and granddaughter Julie.
Survivors include: two brothers, John Alderson (Joyce); Charles Alderson (Judy); sister-in-law, Faye Chrisco; her twelve children; Gene Douglass (Linda); Chet Douglass (Judy); Carol Dodds; Pinky Gum (Mac); Charley Douglass (JeanAnn); Nancy Duplisse (Bill); Jim Douglass (Karen), Nona Richey (Ron); Anna Stigall (Marty); Robert Douglass (Tonya); Marla Douglass; John Douglass (Betty); Bill Jr’s Widow, Vonna; twenty-one grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Betty was known far and wide and was an inspiration to young and old alike. She was endeared and revered by the multitudes who crossed her path. To know her was to love her. Mommy will remain near and dear to our hearts as we travel on with her repeated warning, “Watch out for the slick spots!”
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Mtn. Grove Alumni Park Fund; Mtn. Grove Scholarship Foundation Fund; Greenwood Church Cemetery Fund.
Funeral services for Betty Douglass were held Tuesday, March 27, 1:00 PM in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Lynn Wood, John Miller, Harold Gass and Jerry Schuster officiating. Ray Bradley sang “How Great Thou Art.” Nancy Doty and Marcia Peterson served as musicians. Bonnie Peterson served as song leader. Congregational songs were “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” “Because He Lives,” and “When We All Get To Heaven.” Pallbearers were Archie Dunn, Max Pamperien, Carl Watson, Roger Dunlap, Scott Wood, Steve Kutz, Bill O’Neill, and Bob Coats. Honorary pallbearers were Jack Alpers, Harvey Neher, Carl Williams, Jim Branson, Harley Van Shannon, Dwayne Murphy. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.
Contributions/Donations may be made to
the following c/o the Funeral Home:
MGHS Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
MGHS Alumni Foundation (Park)
MGHS Football Field Renovation