Betty Ruth Davis Threlkeld of Poplar Bluff was born Oct. 6, 1928, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.
She was the daughter of the late Homer and Virginia Davis. She passed away Sept. 26, 2024. At the time of her death, she was living with her granddaughters in Cabot, Arkansas.
On Dec.30, 1947, she married Mitchel Elijah Threlkeld. He preceded her in death Aug. 19, 2014. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Irene Warren; her brothers, Homer Davis, Jr., Ralph Davis, Robert (Bob) Davis; and her son-in-law, David Duffy.
Betty is survived by three children. Janice Duffy lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Robert M. Threlkeld and his wife, Bobbie, live in Sherwood, Arkansas; and Steven D. Threlkeld and his wife, Jana, live in Dallas, Texas.
She and Mitch were blessed with six grandchildren who were the light of their lives: Melissa Gooden; Jennifer Anderson; Laura DeVorak (Kevin); Eric Threlkeld (Allie), Andrew Threlkeld (Katherine); and Hannah Harrison (Jermaine). They also were privileged to enjoy 13 great-grandchildren, Jordan Gooden, Caleb Gooden, J J Ball, Destiny Paul, Brookelyn Andersen, Wyatt Andersen, Molly Threlkeld, Graham Threlkeld, Hudson Threlkeld, Simon Threlkeld, Winslow Harrison, Darcy Harrison, and Hunter DeVorak. She had one great-great-granddaughter, Kylee DeVorak.
Betty began her career as a telephone operator in 1946. When the systems became automated, she continued to work for the phone company in other capacities until her retirement in 1986. Then she and Mitch spent many years wintering in Arizona with their friends. She took art classes while there and produced many paintings of desert scenery.
Betty made many friends throughout her life. She and her good friends played cards every Wednesday afternoon for 30 years. When they could no longer play cards, they played dominoes. She loved to shop and could always find the bargains. She was kind and tried to make everyone feel at home. They would always be offered a cup of coffee no matter what time of day. Her nieces and nephews considered her to be very special. She and niece, Patti Chowning, had a standing weekly date to watch Masterpiece Theater. Her other nieces and nephews always made time to come and see her to enjoy her “classy” company.
Betty was a long-time member and loyal supporter of First Christian Church. Her church friends and family were very important to her. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 1601 North Main, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 63901.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at First Christian Church in Poplar Bluff, 1601 North Main. Funeral services will follow at noon. Burial will be at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.
Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com.