Obituary of Betty Fann

Betty Marie Fann, age 98, of Camdenton, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 at StoneBridge Senior Living, Lake Ozark, Missouri.

Betty was born March 23, 1925 in Gilson, Illinois, the daughter of Orville and Madge (Richmond) Bright.

On June 23, 1945, Betty was united in marriage to Ralph Fann in Scott City, Kansas. It's still a bit of a mystery exactly how the two of them met, but it most likely was through church in some way. They shared 50 years of true love and commitment before he passed away on January 4, 1996.  On December 26, 1947, they welcomed their only (and thereby doted upon) child, Linda. They ended up moving to Farmington, Illinois, when Linda was small, where Ralph was a High School Industrial Arts teacher, and Betty was a secretary to the superintendent at the same school. Neither one of them was ever one to shy away from hard work, even literally building their own home together. In the late 1980's, Ralph and Betty decided to move to Camdenton, in order to live closer to Linda and her husband, George Kestler, and their only grandchild, Debi.

Family was everything to Betty. In fact, her sisters moved down from Illinois as well.  At one point, all four households were even on the same street!  At one point or another, Betty was the caretaker for someone within the family. She cared for Ralph for several years after he had a debilitating stroke.  She cared for each one of her sisters when their health declined. She housed Debi when she had back surgery at 25, and of course, spoiled her in the process.  Betty watched over Linda her whole life and wanted only the very best for her and George. She welcomed Debi's husband, Eric, into the very small circle and loved him like her own grandson. And then there were the great-grandchildren, Elijah and Hannah. Oh how they brought her joy! Being their GiGi was quite possibly her favorite role yet. She said that they were what kept her young. She was so grateful to share in the lives of each member of her family. She left a lasting mark of love and special memoires with each one.

Betty was known for her kind and generous heart, as well as her good humor. Nothing could keep her down! She displayed a zest for life, coupled with wisdom and a deep faith in Jesus Christ. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Camdenton. It was through her Sunday School class and the JOY (Just Older Youth) group that she made some of her dearest friends. Betty leaves a legacy of faith, service, strength, and unconditional love.   While she was not a particularly demonstrative woman, oh how you knew that she loved you!  While there is great joy in knowing with confidence that she is complete in Heaven, she will be missed greatly by many.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Linda Kestler and husband, George, of Camdenton; granddaughter Debi Cook, and husband, Eric, of Camdenton; and great-grandchildren, Elijah Cook and Hannah Cook of Camdenton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Madge Bright; baby sister, Verna, and infant brother, Jesse; sisters, Juanita "Peggy" Bright and Dorothy Bright; and her husband, Ralph Fann.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 am, Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.  

Graveside services and burial will follow at Dale Blair Memorial Cemetery, Camdenton

Memorial donations are suggested to Dogwood Animal Shelter.