Betty Joan Way Merritt passed peacefully on February 14, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. in Northeast Regional Medical Center, Kirksville, MO with her three daughters by her side.  She was 81 years old.

Betty was born October 4, 1935 in Virginia, IL to Lee and Ruth Simmons Way.  She was the youngest of 10 children.

She loved watching her grandchildren in their choice of sport or music performance, especially KBSA and Kirksville Lightning baseball and Kirksville Tiger basketball. She was an avid reader, excellent seamstress and had an extraordinary ability to crochet.  She was very proud of her children and grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as “Grandma B”.

Survived by three daughters: Angie Sexton (Sam), Kathy Davis (Kevin) and Susan Hamilton (Joe).  Grandchildren: Josh Davis (Dani), Amanda Davis (Lucas), Lacey Crutchley, Zach Hamilton, Justin Hamilton.  Great-grandchildren:  Fletcher Davis, Fitzgerald Davis, Ali Davis, Ava Crutchley and numerous nieces, nephews and sister-in-law Imogene Way.

Preceded by her siblings, Margaret Huff, Dorothy Suddeth, Bud Way, Ethel Lee Fry, Gerry Marinelli, Kenny Way, Jean Hoagland, Lyle “Shortie” Way, Ruth “Babe” Way and great-grandson, Kane Crutchley.

Service will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 with visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Celebration of life service at 3:00 p.m. at South Side Christian Church, Springfield, IL.  Officiant Pastor Brooks Wilson.

Cut flowers are welcome at the church and charitable donations can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Doss Funeral Home, Edina, Missouri is assisting with arrangements.