Bettye Gafford

Bettye Lou (Parker) Gafford was born in Waxahachie, Texas, on November 16, 1928, and departed this life October 19, 2022, at the Hartville Care Center in Hartville, Missouri. She was 93 years, 11 months, and 3 days of age.

Bettye was united in marriage to Joe Gafford on September 14, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas, after only knowing each other for two weeks. They were married for 69 years. They lived in Texas until 1984 when they decided to move the beautiful Ozarks and made Drury, Missouri, their home.

Bettye spent many years helping Joe with his pottery. She helped in the production process and traveled with him to craft shows for many years. Bettye loved to quilt and made sure her family members all had a quilt of their own. She hand quilted every stitch. She also loved her flower gardens and took great pride in working in her yard.

Bettye was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Gafford, and one brother, James Erwin Parker.

Bettye is survived by her daughters, Myra Long and husband, Larry, of Drury, Nancy Aan and husband, Peter, of Arlington, Texas, one granddaughter, Laura Blackwell and husband, Justin, of Drury, one grandson, David Aan and wife, Janean, of Mansfield, Texas, two great-grandsons, Tanner Stine and wife, Megan, of Eureka, Missouri, and Tyler Aan of Mansfield, Texas, and one great-granddaughter, Gracie Packwood and husband, Sheldon, of Drury.

Bettye's family would like to personally thank the staff at Country Living Assisted Living in Mountain Grove and the staff at Hartville Care Center for the excellent care given to our Mother and Grandmother.