Betty Bernadine (Creech) McGowan was born on Feb. 12, 1928, to Hiram and Helen Creech in Reserve, Kan., and passed from this life on Nov. 3, 2021, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center, Mountain Grove, following a long illness. She was 93 years, 8 months and 22 days of age. She had lived in Mountain Grove for many years. Betty enjoyed being outdoors, especially when tending to her flower gardens. She particularly enjoyed growing violets. She was an avid reader. She faithfully attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mountain Grove until her failing health prevented her from attending services. Betty's greatest love and joy in life was her family. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Agnes Ann, Mickey and Patty; one brother, Jim; and one step-son, James McGowan. Betty is survived by two sons, Ronnie Wilkerson (Kathy) and Richard Wilkerson (Elena); two daughters, Mary Ann Sillyman and Janie "B.J." Turnage (Scott); two brothers, Kenneth Creech (Peggy) and Gary Creech (Shirley); two sisters, Deloris Cunningham and Sherry Vereecke (Joe); 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends who will miss her very much. The family would like to give special thanks to Amber Beck at Autumn Oaks for all her wonderful care of Betty and special thanks to Deacon Joe Kurtenbach.
Funeral Services for Betty McGowan were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Deacon Joe Kurtenbach served as the officiant. Serving as pallbearers were David Wilkerson, Chase Wilkerson, Jackson Wilkerson, Jamison Cain, Brett Jarboe and Joseph Collins. Special songs were “In The Garden” and “Don’t Cry For Me.” Burial was in the Thomas Cemetery of Norwood under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Betty.
