BETTY JO (KEITH) NICHOLSON

Betty Jo (Keith) Nicholson, of Ash Grove passed away on Saturday, April 29, surrounded by loving family members. 
Nicolson was born Jan. 1, 1937 to Roy and Lora Keith.
She married her high school sweetheart Larry Nicholson, on Dec. 30, 1956, and they soon started their own family with three children – Lisa, Brian and Denise. 
Nicholson– valedictorian of Ash Grove High School’s class of 1954 – was a standout student. She pursued a degree in teaching while raising three young children. She went on to serve in public education for 29 years, teaching English for the Republic School District for one year, then Springfield Public Schools (Central High School and Glendale High School) for the rest of her career. During that time, she completed a Master of Arts degree while teaching part-time at Southwest Missouri State University. She also taught evening and summer classes at Evangel and Drury Universities.
Throughout her career, she was active with the Language Arts Department of Southwest Missouri, Missouri Association of Teachers of English, and Springfield National Education Association. In addition, she was one of the original members of the Springfield Professional Development Committee in 1988, and served on several other planning groups for English curriculum in Springfield. During her career and through her retirement, Betty was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, which promotes professional and personal growth for women educators and excellence in education. After retiring from full-time teaching in 1992, she stayed active in education, teaching courses at Ozarks Technical Community College, substitute teaching for area school districts, and volunteering as a guest speaker for local elementary classes. 
She was a lifelong resident of Ash Grove and a lifelong member of Johns Chapel Fundamental Methodist Church. While her life was rich and blessed with family, friends, loved ones, and memorable experiences, it was not without hardship, challenges and loss. Regardless of her circumstances, however, Betty approached each day as a gift from God – full of joy and gratitude – steadfast in her faith in the Lord’s grace and goodness. She was active in the church as a pianist and vocalist, Sunday School teacher, director of Vacation Bible School, and volunteer for the Fundamental Methodist Youth Camp. Her life’s work was based on the mission of supporting young people with their education and their walk with Christ. 
While Larry Nicholson was the great love of her life, the family they created is her living legacy -- three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren and their spouses, and 14 great-grandchildren. She would often be spotted at various sporting events and school activities, supporting each of the children and their talents. Around her dining room table –(approximately 30 feet long ) she hosted her family’s Sunday afternoon dinners and holiday events. She enjoyed gardening – even operating a floral business for many years with daughter Lisa Reece and husband Mike. She was also actively involved with the Stony Point Community Club, a neighborhood group of women who planned regular get-togethers for fellowship and fun. 
Nicholson is survived by her husband, Larry; son Brian and wife Debbie of Ash Grove; daughter Denise Ogle and husband David of Ash Grove; son-in-law Mike Reece of Ash Grove; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister June Fuhlrodt and husband Owen; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other beloved family and friends. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Matthew Reece; daughter Lisa Reece; and niece Cindy Smelser. 
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3,at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Johns Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lisa Reece Memorial Scholarship and left at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home or Old Missouri Bank in Ash Grove.