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Obituary information for Bette Jo Gehrs

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Bette Jo Gehrs, age 84 of Joplin, MO passed away at 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Freeman West Hospital. Born July 6, 1927 in Springfield, MO she was the only child of Mike McGuire and Zoa Scrivner McGuire. After graduating from Springfield Senior High School, she attended Drury College Nursing program and worked at the former Springfield Memorial Hospital. On December 30, 1947, Bette married William L. (Bud) Gehrs, Jr. in Springfield, MO and then moved to Joplin, MO and began to build their live together. He survives. Beginning in 1964, she and her husband built and operated the Ambassador Apartments in Joplin, which she managed for many years. In 1984, along with her husband, they developed and operated the BBG Corporation, where she served as Secretary-Treasurer. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and B.B.B. Dinner Club. Additional survivors include three daughters: Rebecca Koziel of Columbia, S.C., Debrah Artinger of Galena, Kan. and Jeannine Goodrich of Kansas City, MO.; five grandchildren: Abbey Metzinger of Tulsa, Okla., Brad Windle of Joplin, MO, Nick Jones serving in the U.S. Navy, Celina Jones serving in the U.S. Air Force and Rachael Goodrich of Lawrence, Kan.; four great-grandchildren; and additional special family members including Justin Yancer of Tulsa, OK. Respected and loved by all, Bette had an effervescence about her that made the newest acquaintances feel like a welcome new friend. The life of Bette can be described in one word- beautiful. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. The family is hosting a Celebration of Life reception at their home, at 1324 Fairmont Drive, Joplin, MO from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Joplin Humane Society are encouraged. .