Betty E Perkins (Hartville)'s Obituary
Betty Ellen (Grimes) Perkins was born to William “Bill” and Rachel Permelia May (Rose)
Grimes at their home in the Elk Creek community near Hartville in Wright County, MIssouri, on
July 14, 1931.
Her early life was marked by grief when Betty’s brother Odus passed away from malaria in 1935. At the age of 15, Odus was already a hero to four-year-old Betty. She often spoke of how he had carried her on his shoulders and made her a book of butterflies cut from magazines; she loved butterflies all of her life because of those memories. Betty’s father passed away in 1940 when she was only nine years old. Although it was clearly a difficult time for their family, Betty often recounted stories of her mother’s courage as May assumed the role of head of the family. According to the youngest of her eight children, May Grimes was “a great cook who could make a terrific meal out of whatever she had on hand.”
Betty also spoke of the kindness of others in those difficult times, recalling how her mother had always ordered the children a pair of shoes every autumn and how that charge account at Montgomery Ward was marked “Paid in Full” by the company as a courtesy after Bill’s death.
Betty married Norman Earl Perkins in Mtn. Home, Arkansas, on August 9, 1949. Their first child was stillborn, and they both mourned the loss of that baby all of their lives. Three other
children blessed their union, and they both worked hard to provide for those children and to let
them know they were loved. Every night at the Perkins house was like a scene from the TV
show “The Waltons” as each person called out “Night-y! I love you!” after all the lights had gone
down. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1975, Betty and Norman remained lifelong
friends who shared the love of their children and grandchildren.
Betty moved out of state for a short time after the divorce, but she returned to Missouri to stay not long after holding her first grandchild. She often said the only reason to have children was to have grandchildren. Betty enjoyed being involved in her grandchildren’s lives, babysitting and caring for them, and attending their school events and sports activities. Working was something Betty enjoyed, and she found employment in factories all around the area and by serving as an aide to elderly people. Her sister Alice lived in Mtn. Grove, and they enjoyed spending time with each other for long walks and even longer talks. Because Betty depended on Alice for encouragement and advice, it was only natural that Mtn. Grove would become her home.
Around 1980, Betty purchased her little house at 706 West First Street, and she was very proud of both her home and her flower-filled yard. She was often told by those who admired her gardening abilities that she lived in “the prettiest house on First Street.” Along with her passion for flowers, Betty also enjoyed sewing and embroidery.
Traveling was another luxury that Betty enjoyed, and she loved the adventure of flying.
She visited Florida, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. before venturing west to the Grand Canyon,
Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Laguna Beach, California. When she moved into assisted living at Landmark Villa in Cabool in 2014, Betty enjoyed the church services--especially singing along with the groups that performed there several times each week. Betty accepted Jesus when she was young and always enjoyed listening to preachers and gospel music.
Memorials can be made to Mt Zion Cemetery, and sent to HHFH PO Box 236, Hartville, Mo 65667
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?
