Bettie Appleby

Bettie Ann Appleby, 91, of Springfield, MO, passed away Friday, June 10, 2011, in her home with all four of her children by her side.

Bettie was born August 20, 1919 to Jessie and Ledora Cain in Springfield, MO. Bettie was the widow of C.N. Hord. She then worked at the newspaper for several years before meeting and marrying Rex Appleby September 2, 1952. She spent 16 years in Dhahran Saudi Arabia. Bettie travelled extensively and while in Saudi Arabia, she founded the Vogue Pattern Service. Upon returning to the United States these experiences led her into the design field where she spent many years fulfilling her passion for interior design. Bettie designed the interior of a private railway car, one of the top condominiums on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City and she earned several design awards over the years.

Bettie was an avid and accomplished golfer and won numerous tournaments both on Saudi Arabian oil slicked "greens" as well as countless golf courses here. She was a long-time member of Fremont Hills Country Club.

Bettie is survived by her four children, Linda (Hord) Tinson and Christopher Appleby of Springfield, Kelly Rodholm of Denver, CO, Charles Appleby of Rockford, MI; grandchildren, Peter Tinson, Helen Duteau, David and Michael Rodholm, Sean and Christopher Appleby, Morgan, Chas and Eli Appleby; great grandchild Rex Appleby.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2011 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2200 West Republic Road, Springfield with Msgr. Thomas Reidy celebrant under the care of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 East Walnut Street.

Donations in memory of Bettie to The Kitchen, 1630 North Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803 or Hospice Compassus, 1465 East Primrose, Springfield, MO 65804.

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.