Betty Jean (Cutbirth) Tooley

Betty Jean (Cutbirth) Tooley, affectionately known as “Aunt Betty,” daughter of the late Oma and Ora Lee (Stephenson) Cutbirth, was born July 5, 1951, in Hartville, and departed this life July 21, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, at the age of 74 years and 16 days. Betty grew up in Hartville in a one bedroom cabin just off Highway 38 in an area that her father playfully called “Ol’ Goady Fro Holler,” which referred to his version of a big-foot-like creature. She attended school in Hartville. On Jan. 10, 1967, Betty was united in marriage to Jackie “Wade” Tooley, and to this union, four children were born. Betty dedicated her life to raising not only her children, but also countless children throughout the Hartville community, who all referred to her as “Aunt Betty.” Known for her friendly nature, she never met a stranger, had a heart of gold, and was always willing to help; she would give you her last dime.  After Wade's passing in 2012, Betty was blessed with the companionship of Leonard Dale “LD” Garland. In 2019, Betty and LD embarked on a new adventure and opened the “Hartville Café.” She loved serving others, and she remained a vital part of its operation even after her son Harry and his wife, Shannon, took over its ownership. In her free time, Betty enjoyed quilting, visiting yard sales and attending auctions. She loved collecting rocks. Anywhere she went, she could find the most beautiful rock, just like her, a diamond in the rough. She also enjoyed picking blackberries and fish fries on the creek bank. She also loved her coffee. Her source of fuel was coffee, God, and her family. Betty was a born-again believer in God and faithfully attended Hartville Life 360 Church.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Oma and Ora Lee Cutbirth; her husband of 45 years, Wade Tooley; three sisters, Bonnie Lou Cutbirth, Sue Simmons and Rose Crain; three brothers, Orville Henry, Alfred Lee and Gerald Dee Cutbirth; and her companion, LD Garland. Betty is survived by her four children, Elizabeth Thomas and husband, Ted, of Springfield; Harry Tooley and wife, Shannon, of Hartville; Jack Tooley and wife, Jessica, of Hartville; and Christine Harkey and husband, Daniel, of Mansfield; seven grandchildren, Eric Thomas and wife, Nicole, Cole Tooley and fiance, Breana Youngblood, Chase Tooley, Destiny Hutchinson and husband, Jacob, Jackie Tooley, Jaelyn Taylor, and Gabby Taylor; five great-grandchildren, Kolbi, Brantley, Gaige, Phoenix, and one on the way, Jace; and a host of many nieces, nephews and many friends she considered family. Betty was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, caring neighbor and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. A visitation was held for Betty on July 27, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Hartville. A funeral service was held July 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Hartville Life 360 Church under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville.