Betty Sue (Wilson) Ashford, 83, went to be with her Lord on April 13, 2021, at Maryville Living Center in Maryville, MO, following kidney failure.

Born September 4, 1937, in East Prairie, MO, Betty was the fifth of the six children of Eugene and Della (Rutledge) Wilson. She graduated from Braddyville (IA) High School in 1955 and received a diploma in secretarial training from the Commercial Extension School of Commerce (Omaha) in 1956. She worked at the Mental Health Institute in Clarinda, IA for two years. On November 2, 1958, she married Jerry Ashford of Joplin, MO. The couple spent two years in Los Angeles while Jerry completed his schooling, then settled in Denver, CO, where they raised two daughters. Betty was active as a church volunteer, teaching Sunday School and directing Vacation Bible School.

Wanting to return to a small-town environment, the family relocated to Gunnison, CO. Betty worked as a secretary at Western State College, first in the Financial Aid Department and then for the Director of Communications. In 1983, she and Jerry moved to Pineville, MO and built an underground house. Betty held the position of Executive Secretary at Walmart/Sam's Club headquarters in Bentonville, AR. In 2001, at the Sam's Club Annual Meeting in Tampa, Betty was given the Blue Coat Award, the highest honor any Walmart employee can receive, for her excellent service to the company.

Betty had intended to retire later in 2001, but acute liver failure took her to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Betty received a new liver on Good Friday, April 13. Her recovery was slow but steady. She and Jerry eventually were able to resume their life as retirees, visiting children and grandchildren, gardening, RVing, and participating in church life. In Spring 2019 they relocated to Maryville, MO, to be near Betty's family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, and siblings Mary (Wilson) Nelson, Anna (Wilson) Bears, James Wilson, and Larry Ray Wilson. She is survived by brother Bobby Wilson; daughters Jeron Ashford and Sheri Kokesh; granddaughters Annalyn Frame, Rennie (David) Volpe, and Marlise Frame; and great-grandchildren Darren and Vita Volpe.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Braddyville, IA. Donations in Betty's memory can be made to the American Transplant Foundation.

Arrangements Price Funeral Home