Betty Nance

Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Betty Joyce (Rainwater) Nance, of South Greenfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Spring Ridge Assisted Living, Springfield, Missouri, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Betty was born in Beech Creek, Kentucky December 2, 1937 to Herbert and Ola (Wells) Rainwater. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas A. Nance; daughter, Janice Armstrong; son, Darrell Holmes; sisters, Eva, Glodine, and Dorine; and brothers, James, William, Loyd, and Thomas.

She is survived by one daughter, Diane Austin-Myers (Bradley) of South Greenfield; five grandchildren:  Ashley (Chris) Wilson of Springfield, Missouri; Cori (Brad) Bohnenblust of Erie, Kansas; Tami (Sean) Bailey of San Antionio, Texas; David, Jr (Angela) Armstrong of Centralia, Washington; Kane (Mijeong) Holmes of Kennewick, Washington; sister, Sue Ann Dukes of Greenville, Kentucky; niece, Patricia St. Clair (Jerry) of Horse Branch, Kentucky; brother, Bobby Rainwater of Lewisburg, Kentucky; and nine great-grandchildren; along with a host of many other family and friends who will greatly miss her.

Betty found joy in going on new adventures and spent her years building new homes alongside her husband, Tom. She cherished every opportunity to travel and camp with her grandchildren, and she showed her love in countless ways—especially through the meals she lovingly prepared. Betty cherished her time with family and creating lasting memories for generations to come by creating a home filled with love and comfort, always ensuring it was a welcoming space for those she held dear.  Her presence was one of kindness, generosity, and warmth. Betty had a love for animals and enjoyed being in nature. Betty had a rewarding career providing physical therapy for residents with special needs of all ages at Fairview Training Center in Salem, Oregon.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.  

Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.  In honoring Betty’s wishes, there will be no service.  The family will hold a gravesite memorial at Daughtery Cemetery at a later date. 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” 

Matthew 5:4