Betty Jean Crume Wells

Betty Jean Crume Wells, born January 14, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri to William Clay and Jane Kirk Crume passed peacefully on March 6, 2026. She was the 4th of 5 children born to the couple.

The family moved to a farm outside of St. James, Missouri in 1956 where youngest brother Jim arrived in 1957. Betty went to Union School grades 1 – 5 then went to Lucy W. James Elementary grades 6 – 8. She graduated from John F. Hodge High School in 1969. After attending University of Missouri Rolla for 1 year, she transferred and graduated from Southwest Missouri University (now MSU) in 1973 and received her Master's Degree in 1978. She was employed by Nixa Public Schools as a librarian in both Nixa Junior High and Inman Intermediate from 1972 to 2023.

Betty was baptized at St. James Christian Church in 1962 and transferred that membership to Ozark Christian Church where she remained a faithful member. Betty married Rick Gene Wells on October 17, 1972 at the Christian Church in St. James, Missouri. To this union, one daughter, Leah Suzanne Wells was born who is the Nixa Junior High Nurse.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband Rick; daughter Leah Suzanne (Jason); grand children Bailey, Troy, Ganon, and Logan; sister Sue Vogt (Fred); and sister-in-law Debbie Crume; brother-in-law Jerry Wells (Judy); sister-in-law Jan Towe (Rod); numerous nieces, nephews, and “Rowdy” friends.

Betty is preceded in death by both of her parents; three brothers, Bill, Bob, and Jim.

The family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to all those at Haven Hospice for their kind and loving care with a special thank you to Nurse Rachel who was an angel.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark with Pastor Terry Kendrick officiating. Burial will follow at Hopedale Cemetery in Ozark.

The family would like everyone to know that this will not be a traditional somber service. In honor of her vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear colorful clothing and come prepared to share funny stories and joyful memories from their time with her.

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