Betty Rigsbee

Betty L. Rigsbee, age 91, of Harlingen, TX passed away January 14, 2021 succumbing to COVID.

April 21, 1929 Mitchel and Bertha Mathis of Mitchel, MO welcomed Betty to their family, where she joined a brother.  After graduating from Elvins High School, she married William H. Rigsbee becoming a housewife and raising a family.  Later Betty choose to continue her education, attending Memorial Area College, and then Southeast Missouri University, where she graduated with honors, while achieving her degree in Elementary Education.  After moving to the Valley, Betty was able to use the skills she had learned in College to preside as president of United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church of Harlingen.  She also volunteered in the Pastoral Service at Valley Baptist Hospital, where many times she went to the “Mommas and Baby” area, loving what she was doing, she ended each patient visit by singing a hymn to celebrate the birth of the new baby.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Margaret Sullivan (Robert) of Liberty, MO; grandchildren Christopher Sullivan of Excelsior Springs, MO, Rebecca A. White (Donald) of Liberty, MO, Rebecca E. Reddy (Pavan) of Sioux Falls, SD as well as great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Mitchel Mathis and Bertha Mathis Crouch, her husband William H. Rigsbee, her brother Donald R. Crouch, and her son John R. Rigsbee.

Due to COVID there will be no funeral services until April, when a graveside service will be held in Bismarck, MO.

Memorial donations should be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

The family takes great comfort in knowing that Betty has joined God’s heavenly choir of angels, and is singing praises to God as loud as she can.