Betty Ross Hodge
Betty Ross Hodge was born May 7, 1938 as Betsy Lee Buckley, the second child of John William and Nova Shannon Ross-Buckley. John, not liking some people with the name of Lee, discussed the matter with his father-in-law who stated, “Just name her Betsy Ross!” When childhood peers began using her name in teasing insults, Betty decided to take it to court and request a name change.
When Betty turned one year of age, her mother had a lobotomy leaving her with the mind of a ten-year-old. Before Betty turned six years old, her father passed away leaving her and her siblings with a mother unable to adequately care for them. Her mother’s sister, Aunt Janie, tried to help as best as she could, but at the age of eight, she and her siblings, Lila Mae and Douglas McArthur, were placed in foster care after a neighbor called the division of family services. Betty and Lila lived with Carl and Ethel Frazier for seven years. When Betty was 15 (in 1953), she and Lila began living with Art and Alpha Brewer. Betty and her sister got jobs in the TV factory and worked there until they were laid off. She and Lila got an apartment together and Betty began working as a waitress in a local café.
While living with the Fraziers, Betty attended the Assembly of God Church. This is where the Lord spoke to Betty’s heart in 1949. When she visited that church in later years, Betty would often recount to whoever would listen that she was sitting on the right side of the church in the second seat back when she got under conviction and went to the altar to receive Christ as her Savior. Betty’s entire life reflected that moment of surrender. After moving in with the Brewers, she began attending The Church of God of Prophecy; initially because it was within walking distance, but it became her spiritual home. Her life revolved around her church and her family and she was totally devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Betty married Edward M. Hodge February 5, 1956 before finishing high school. She obtained her GED in 1971. A daughter, Katherine Elaine, was born to them October 11, 1959, which became the love and highlight of their lives. Betty had a 38-year career working for Angelica uniforms. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Colorado, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Those preceding her in death were her parents, husband Ed, sister Lila Counts, brothers, Junior Ray and Douglas.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Kathy of the home; niece, Leta Counts Woolard (Vaden) of Mill Spring, MO; nephews, Kerry Counts (Mary) of Allen, TX and Jerry Counts of O’Fallon, MO; nieces, Lorna Garrison (Gary) of Ellington, MO and Lana Cypret of Battlefield, MO; great-nieces, Karis, Kamille, Rachel, and Lynn; great-nephews, Vaden Shane, Dake, Jared, Howie, Charlie, David, Tim, and Matt; great-greats, Samuel, Lucas, Victoria, Caleb, Nate, Aiden, Ryan, Alex, Natalie, and Millie Jean; and a brother-in-law, Howard Counts. Included is a host of family, friends, and some special pals she enjoyed running around with, but all were loved very much.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2020, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence Missouri, with Pastor Wayne Crider officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2020 also at the chapel. Interment will be in Flatwoods Cemetery, Eminence, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eminence Church of God of Prophecy. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
