Betty Geddes (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Betty Lou Geddes, daughter of Earl O. and Doris Watson Shears, was born December 25, 1917, in Parsons, Kansas. She departed this life Monday, September 9, 2013, in Christian Health and Rehabilitation Center South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-five years, eight months, and fourteen days.
On April 3, 1943, she was united in marriage to Paul Fortner Geddes, Sr., and they shared forty-seven years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul, on October 22, 1990; a son, John Earl Geddes; and a sister, Eugenia Finch.
Betty is survived by a daughter, Sharon Geddes, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sons, Paul Geddes, Jr., and his wife, Patsy, of Richland, Missouri, and David Geddes, of Charleston, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Lorie, Lela, Lesa, and John Carter; six great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Madeline Geddes; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was born and raised in Parsons, Kansas, and graduated from high school there. She then went to Sherwood School of Music in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, she married Paul and they traveled to various military posts stateside and overseas while he served in the United States Army. During this time, Betty was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, and also worked as a school principal while they were living in Honduras. When the eventually came back to Missouri, Betty was employed as a civil service employee at Fort Leonard Wood for a number of years. Her last position there was as Chief of Technical Services. Later, she volunteered at the Laclede County Literacy Council for a few years.
Betty had made her profession of faith in Christ when she was a young girl in Parsons, Kansas. She had attended the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.
She was a member of the Lady Elks Lodge and had served as a Past-President. She was an enthusiastic bowler and had played on various leagues and in several competitions. She had a love for music, played the piano and organ beautifully, had a wonderful singing voice and could whistle to perfection. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting and sewing, and was an avid reader. She loved her family dearly and was the rock of the family.
Betty was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout her lifetime.
Memorial donations to the Laclede County Literacy Council may be made through the funeral home.
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