Betty M. Chiles

If you ever traveled to Florence and turned on Butterfield Trail, more than likely you passed the home of Elmer and Betty Chiles.  If you were fortunate enough to have a reason to stop and visit you were greeted with a warm smile, the invitation to come sit at the kitchen table, admire her extensive salt and pepper shaker collection and more than likely offered a glass of tea.

Betty’s story begins on September 27, 1929, in Sedalia, Missouri.  She was one of four children, three girls and one boy, born to Edgar and Rose Nadine Lane Dillon.  She grew up in Sedalia and attended the Emmett Avenue Baptist Church with her family.

On June 13, 1945, when she was not quite 16 years old, Betty married Elmer Chiles and for 69 years they were constant companions; experiencing the joys of raising their own three children and the heartache of burying their only son, along with many other trials and triumphs along the way.

Elmer was the breadwinner but everyone knew Betty was the heart of the Chiles’ home.  Her home was the center of activity for the kids in the Florence community and before long she became “grandma” to most of the locals.

Caring for her family was the driving force behind everything Betty did and that was never more evident than when her son Dean was injured in an accident.  For the next 39 years Betty was Dean’s constant caregiver, making sure he was able to live life to its fullest.

The Chiles’ home remained the center of activity for the growing family with the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren; which Betty welcomed with open arms.  She loved spending time with them and Sunday afternoons were reserved for family dinners.  When able, she and Elmer enjoyed attending the Florence United Methodist Church with family and friends.

Following Elmer’s death on May 10, 2014, Betty moved to Sedalia, where she lived for a short time.  As her age began to catch up with her she made the decision to move to the Golden Age Living Center in Stover and for the next few years she thrived.  She attended every activity, enjoyed visiting with the staff and most of all caring for her fellow residents.  Her family is so grateful for the staff at the Golden Age Living Center and the care she received from them because when Betty’s journey on this earth ended Friday evening, December 11, 2020, she was not only in the presence of her daughters but surrounded by those who had cared for her these past several years.

Betty's legacy will continue with her two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Gary Nolting of Versailles and Susan and Randy  Smith of Smithton; her five grandchildren, Clara Lane and husband Ray, Randy Nolting and girlfriend Santana Hopper, Stephen Nolting, Stephanie Bass and husband Brendan and Sean Smith and wife Andrea; her eight great grandchildren, Damon, Ashley and husband Elden, Eric, Brittany and husband Bob, Tiffany, Cole, Emma and Whitley, along with four great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Patty Farris of Sedalia and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband Elmer and son, Dean, she was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Rose, two siblings, William Dillon and Mary Edna Loucks and a grandson, Nolan.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, at the Florence United Methodist Cemetery with Pastor Vonda Veale officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Florence United Methodist Cemetery Fund.

Social distancing and masks are requested at the cemetery.

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