Betty Keirsey - On December 21, 1932, in Blodgett, MO, the world became a better place with the arrival of Betty Marie Holder. On January 24, 2020, heaven became a more colorful and joyful place with her arrival. Betty Keirsey. A daughter to Don and Dee Holder. A sister to Jerry Holder and Glenda Holder Hess. Wife. Mom. Granny Betty. Miss Betty. Grateful child of God. Archery state champion. Room mother. Sunday school teacher. School board member and its first female president. Hospital auxilian and president extraordinaire. Cancer overcomer. Friend and confidant. Blood donor supreme. Poet. Artist. Singer. Basketball player. Truth teller. Faithful Dexter Bearcats fan. #1 fan of her husband’s bluegrass band, The Black Mountain Boys. Common horse sense advice giver. Deliver of Meals on Wheels and of flowers to the homebound or in nursery homes. Chauffeur of friends to dozens of doctors’ appointments and family visits. Excellent employee. State Farm office manager and advice-giver. Seamstress. Upholsterer. Mender of busted knees and broken hearts. Fighter. Four-time stroke survivor. Motorcycle passenger. Traveler. Administrator of much-needed swats to behinds and giver of countless hugs. Baker of thousands of desserts for loved ones and friends. Fried pie and pie artist. Formidable opponent to any difficult task that dared to stand in her path.
These titles are just a few of the many manifestations of a humble life well-lived. Her proudest title was that of wife to John Kenneth Keirsey. They married on June 14, 1949, and she held that title for 58-1/2 years, when in 2007, her beloved husband went to heaven. What a glorious reunion they are having! These insufficient words are but a glimpse into the life of a person who always put others first. And while her absence will be profoundly felt, her words, her opinion, her work ethic, her recipes, her wit, and her influence will continue to hold sway with family, friends, and church and community members who were wise enough to listen.
Her six children and their families know full well the impact she has had and will continue to have in their lives. They are: son Ken Keirsey and wife Angela of Warrensburg, MO; daughter Toni Keirsey Keith and husband Dennis Keith of Dexter, MO; son Steve Keirsey and wife Debbie of Jewett, MO; daughter Lori Keirsey Mell and husband Ed Mell of Bartlett, TN; son Scott Keirsey of Memphis, TN; and son Keith Keirsey of Dexter, MO. She was so proud of her 15 grandchildren: Drew Keirsey, Hannah Keirsey, and Nate Keirsey; Carrie Mosbey and Josh Plunkett; Melissa Way and Katherine Keirsey, Eric Belcher and Kim McDowell; Lindsay Coffman and Allison Wallace; Lydia Keirsey; and Karaline, Keirstan, and Karlee Keirsey. She was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren and with 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Well done, good and faithful servant!
Friends may call at First Baptist Church in Dexter on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Funeral services will then be conducted at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Blodgett Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Stoddard County Children’s Home, PO Box 164, Dexter, Missouri 63841 or 18 Fore Life, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, Missouri 63841
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
