Betty Jo (Keith) Nicholson, of Ash Grove, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023, surrounded by loving family members.

Betty was born January 1, 1937 to Roy and Lora Keith. She married her high school sweetheart, Larry Nicholson, on December 30, 1956, and they soon started their own family with three children – Lisa, Brian, and Denise.

Betty – Valedictorian of Ash Grove High School's Class of 1954 – was a standout student. She pursued a degree in teaching while raising three young children. She went on to serve in public education for 29 years, teaching English for the Republic School District for one year, then Springfield Public Schools (Central High School and Glendale High School) for the rest of her career. During that time, she completed a Master of Arts degree while teaching part-time at Southwest Missouri State University. She also taught evening and summer classes at Evangel and Drury Universities. Throughout her career, she was active with the Language Arts Department of Southwest Missouri, Missouri Association of Teachers of English, and Springfield National Education Association. In addition, she was one of the original members of the Springfield Professional Development Committee in 1988, and served on several other planning groups for English curriculum in Springfield. During her career and through her retirement, Betty was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, which promotes professional and personal growth for women educators and excellence in education. After retiring from full-time teaching in 1992, she stayed active in education, teaching courses at Ozarks Technical Community College, substitute teaching for area school districts, and volunteering as a guest speaker for local elementary classes.

Betty was a life-long resident of Ash Grove and a life-long member of John's Chapel Fundamental Methodist Church. While her life was rich and blessed with family, friends, loved ones, and memorable experiences, it was not without hardship, challenges, and loss. Regardless of her circumstances, however, Betty approached each day as a gift from God – full of joy and gratitude – steadfast in her faith in the Lord's grace and goodness. She was active in the church as a pianist and vocalist, Sunday School teacher, director of Vacation Bible School, and volunteer for the Fundamental Methodist Youth Camp. Her life's work was based on the mission of supporting young people with their education and their walk with Christ.

While Larry Nicholson was the great love of her life, the family they created is Betty's living legacy -- three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren and their spouses, and fourteen great-grandchildren. Betty would often be spotted at various sporting events and school activities, supporting each of the children and their talents. Around her dining room table – approximately 30 feet long – Betty hosted her family's Sunday afternoon dinners and holiday events. She enjoyed gardening – even operating a floral business for many years with daughter Lisa Reece and husband Mike. Betty was also actively involved with the Stony Point Community Club, a neighborhood group of women who planned regular get-togethers for fellowship and fun.

Betty is survived by her husband, Larry, of the home; son Brian Nicholson and wife Debbie of Ash Grove; daughter Denise Ogle and husband David of Ash Grove; son-in-law Mike Reece of Ash Grove; eight grandchildren, Jeremy Nicholson and wife Lea, Renae Barb and husband Myron, Shane Nicholson and wife Hilary, Josh Reece and wife Amanda, Evan Nicholson and wife Miranda, Zach Reece, Nikki Faith and husband Chad, Drew Reece and wife Alliyah; fourteen great-grandchildren, Brady Nicholson, Kyler Reece, Brooke Nicholson, Blake Reece, Allie Nicholson, Colton Barb, Ava Nicholson, Dallie Barb, Quinton Nicholson, Harper (Katie) Reece, Jordy Nicholson, Layla Nicholson, Parker Nicholson, Jayden Nicholson; sister June Fuhlrodt and husband Owen; nieces, nephews, cousins, many other beloved family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Lora Keith, grandson Matthew Reece, daughter Lisa Reece, and niece Cindy Smelser.

Visitation will be 6:00PM-8:00PM, Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will be 1:00PM, Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Johns Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lisa Reece Memorial Scholarship and left at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home or Old Missouri Bank in Ash Grove.