Betty Marie Simpson

Betty Simpson passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2024 after a lengthy illness. She was born in Macon County, Missouri on November 18, 1931, the only child of Marjorie and Lawton Collins. She was delivered at home by Dr. Cambray, who arrived by horse and buggy.

She lived on a farm with her dad and grandmother after her mother died when Betty was only 4 years old. She often talked about farm life with her cozy feather bed, snowy winters and the fun she had with her cousins, aunts and uncles. She always felt well loved.

She graduated from NE Missouri State University Teacher’s College where she also met her future husband, Henry Simpson. They were married in 1953. They lived in Kirksville, Missouri while Henry earned his teaching credential. During this time they started a family with two sons; Greg and Mark. The family moved to Exeter, California in 1959 for three years. Because Betty was homesick, they moved back to Kirksville for one year, but returned to Exeter to make it their permanent residence. They completed their family with the birth of their daughter, Berit.

In 1967 Betty began teaching with the Farmersville School District. She taught various grades at first, but most of her 25 year teaching career was teaching kindergarten. She used to say with a laugh that her kindergarteners used to accidentally call her “Mom” but as the years went by they started accidentally calling her “Grandma.” She retired in 1992 for the opportunity to take care of her grandchild, Joshua.

Betty was a warm and loving person. She always made sure her guests felt comfortable and never went hungry. She loved music and would break out in song all through the house, car, grocery store, etc! Most of all she loved her family and nothing brought her more joy than to spend time with them. She will be missed more than words can say.

She is survived by her son Greg Simpson and wife Barbara, daughter Berit Maxwell, daughter-in-law Cindy Bate, grandchildren: Joshua, Riley, Teri, Katie, Rick, Elizabeth and Michelle, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, her sister-in-laws Judie Ellis and Mary Ellen Simpson and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding Betty in death was her husband Henry, son Mark, father Lawton Collins, mother Marjorie Collins and her in-laws Greene and Juanita Simpson.

Special thanks goes to Bristol Hospice nurse LeAnne Quenzer and her team for their compassion and care. Also, thanks to her friends and relatives for the phone calls and visits that brightened her days.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held at 137 EVENTS, 137 South E. Street, Exeter, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11AM. Internment is private. Donations can be made in Betty’s memory to City of Hope or Stanford Medical Center.

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