Betty Jean Evans

Betty Jean Evans. 94, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024. She was born on March 25, 1930, in Springfield, Missouri, to Tucker and Maud (Buckner) Bagley. 

On September 22, 1948, Betty and James Wesley Palmer were united in marriage and to this union four children were born.  Betty and Willard Evans were united in marriage on September 27, 1979, and shared over nine years together, before Willard’s passing in 1989.  

Betty enjoyed day trips with Willard, nights at the movies with family, watching game shows, and a good romance novel. She loved to shop and loved all the excitement that came with Black Friday. Betty was a hard worker and took great care of her four children. 

Later in life she enjoyed being a foster grandparent in the Springfield schools. Betty also worked for many years at City Hall Drug and Hamby’s Restaurant, which were both at the corner of Central and Booneville in Springfield. She wasn’t dealt the easiest or best hand in life but played it with perseverance. 

Betty is survived by her children, Pamala Palmer, Beth Mounts (Dan), Janice Riedle; grandchildren, Justin Riedle (Christy), Jessica Hammond (John), Dylan Mounts (Marilyn), Erika Weeks, John Weeks; great grandchildren, Ricky Riedle (Breanna), Kellee Tinker (Ethan), Penny Hammond, Oliver Hammond, Tim Watts (Becca), Brandon Watts, Blake Miller; four great-great grandchildren; other family, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Tucker and Maud (Buckner) Bagley; husband, Willard Evans; daughter, Fayon Weeks; siblings, Barbara Ann Bagley, Jimmie Bagley, Jackie Bagley, Gerald Bagley, and Joyce Harmon. 

Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Danforth Cemetery, Strafford, Missouri.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association and may be left or mailed to the funeral home, Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Ash Grove, MO 65604.