Janey Elizabeth “Betty” Barton, age 88, passed away on January 28, 2024, at her home in Birch Tree, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on February 28, 1935, in Birch Tree, Missouri, to William Buck and Ellen Jane (Kelly) Patterson.
She was united in marriage on August 2, 1952, to Floyd “Tee” Barton in Mountain Home, Arkansas. To this union, seven daughters were born, Mary, Elaine, Debbie, Carol, Karen, Sheila, and Lisa.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Floyd “Tee”; two daughters, Elaine Clark and Debbie Reese; her parents, William and Ellen Patterson; one granddaughter, Bobbie Jo Hall; two great-granddaughters, Mya Elaine Dill and Willow Lynn Lundgren; two sons-in-law, Danny Clark and Bob Carkhuff; four sisters; and two brothers.
Survivors include her daughters, Mary (Duane) Smotherman, Carol (Cecil) Smith, Karen (Bill) Woolsey, Sheila (Allen) Sanders, and Lisa (Bill) Miller; 25 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 30 great-great-grandchildren plus one on the way; and a very special sister-in-law, Betty Cook.
Betty attended First Baptist Church in Birch Tree, Missouri, and was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Birch Tree.
It was with her faith that Betty lived and loved in life. She cherished her family and friends. When met with “I love you (Mom, Grandma, Granny) she would reply with “I love you too, sis” (to her girls) or “I love yuns too”. Her love was limitless. When times were tough; she endured; she gave, when there was little; she comforted, when others were distressed; and she was the beacon, when all felt lost.
Near the end, Betty was fearless as she told death, “Not yet”. She was determined to return to her home, where so many memories were made and shared; and of course, to feed Rusty a bone. She would not have wanted those left behind to mourn. Rather, Betty would ask us to have faith, hold her in our hearts, and know that we will see her again in heaven. Take solace that she is reunited with her eternal love, Tee. Together, they are smiling down and watching over us as we carry forward a lifetime full of love and happiness.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Church of God of Prophecy, Birch Tree, Missouri, with Bro. Gary Larsen officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Birch Tree. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
