Betty Andrews passed away November 6, 2024 at the Lodge in Fayette, MO.  She was 96 years of age, and a month shy of turning 97.

Betty Jean Andrews was born December 5, 1927 in Moberly, MO.  She was one of three daughters born to the late Homer Stapleton and Edith (Sumpter) Hargis.  She attended elementary at the Wilson and Naylor country schools.  She attended Higbee High School and later earned her GED.  On October 30, 1949, Betty married the love of her life, D.L. (Delbert Lee) Andrews.  Together they enjoyed over 46 years of marriage and shared their family business, A & K Cooperage, where they manufactured oak barrels.  D.L. preceded Betty in death on July 17, 1996.  Betty worked as the bookkeeper/office manager for numerous years.  Betty will be remembered for her excellent cooking abilities and for her strong faith in the Lord.  She read her Bible everyday and having a relationship with God was very important to her.  She was a devout member of Higbee Christian Church.  In her spare time, Betty enjoyed doing word puzzles and truly loved time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Betty was also a longtime member of the Higbee Lions Club. 

Survivors include her daughter, Carol (Dale) Kirby of Higbee, MO; grandson, Ryan (Quincy Hawkins) Kirby of Columbia, MO; three great-grandchildren, Noah, Seth and Micah Kirby; and a granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Kirby of Higbee, MO.  She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Kirby, two sisters, Veleta and Darlene, along with other relatives.

A graveside service honoring the life of Betty Andrews will be 11 AM, Monday, November 11, 2024 at New Hope Cemetery in rural Higbee, MO, with Rev. Randy Weaver officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to New Hope Cemetery, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.  Online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com.