Bette Ellen Adams Willis, 85, Neosho, died on Monday, July 14, 2008 at her home in Neosho, two days prior to her 86th birthday, as a result of lung cancer and was a non-smoker. 

Bette was born July 16, 1922 in Neosho, the daughter of Laurence Adams and Geneva (Crumbliss) Adams. She graduated from Neosho High School in 1941, had worked as a waitress at the Coffee Pot Café’ in Neosho and as a telephone operator for 14 years.
She lived in Snyder, Texas, most of her married life and returned to Neosho 14 years ago and lived in the Belfast community. 

Bette married the love of her life, Jack C. Willis on July 9, 1942 in Seneca, and he preceded her in death in 1979. 

Her son, Jack Nolen ‘Jackie’ Willis and brother, Pete Adams, also preceded her in death. 

She is survived by one brother, Donald L. Adams and wife, Nancy, Neosho; three sisters, Laureva Lankford, Seneca; Carolyn Willis and husband, Douglas, Neosho and June Williams, Neosho; brother-in-law, Lowell Williams, Neosho; three nephews, John Bruce Lankford and Joe Lankford, Seneca, and Eric Williams, Neosho; four nieces, Joan Murphy and Rebecca Williams, Neosho and Kelly and Amy Adams, Fayetteville, Ark.; numerous extended family and friends. 

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Belfast Cemetery, with family officiating at the service. Friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and the family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday at the funeral home. The casket will be closed at all times. 

Contributions in memory of Bette may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, 64850.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.