Betty Beniece Gotcher, 88, of Eureka, formerly of Montgomery City, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at St. Andrew's at Francis Place.
She was born on April 10, 1938, in Frisbee, the daughter of Thomas Nelson Smith and Betty Myrtle (Britt) Smith. On June 13, 1970, she married Clyde Edmond Gotcher, in Montgomery City. He preceded her in death on July 25, 2014
Betty worked for many years as an associate at GenCorp in Berger (Franklin County). More importantly, she devoted her life to her family, her faith and the people she loved. She was a wonderful mother and a deeply faithful woman who loved Jesus above all else. Throughout her life, she remained active in her church and was known for her caring heart and generous spirit.
Betty had many talents and passions. She loved crocheting and arts and crafts, creating beautiful jewelry boxes, wreaths and handmade gifts that her family will treasure forever. She was an avid gardener who delighted in tending her flowers and growing watermelons with her husband on their many acres of land.
She also enjoyed hunting and was known to be quite a good shot, though perhaps not always the quietest hunter. She never forgot to bring her favorite snacks along — Little Debbie Zebra Cakes and pecan pies. Betty loved people and never met a stranger. She had a special place in her heart for animals and was known for her love of her dogs.
Betty also enjoyed shopping, had a wonderful sense of fashion and possessed an unforgettable sense of humor that brought joy and laughter to everyone around her.
Her family and friends will remember her for her warmth, generosity, strong faith and the love she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her kindness, creativity and unwavering love.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
Betty is survived by her children: Carey (Jeff) Nye of Stony Hill (Gasconade County), Sherry Winford of Stonyhill and Kenneth (Elizabeth) Winford of Pacific; daughter-in-law, Elaine Winford; grandchildren, Shanon (Tony) Sabanos, Lauren (Justin) Kasperski, Merle Ray (Becca) Winford, Josh (Virginia) Winford, David Winford, Alexis Winford, Jacquelyn (Tommy) Watson and Jessica Winford; great-grandchildren: Amber Gaul, Abigail Gaul, Ethan Eslinger, Ashtan Eslinger and Addalyn Arnsparger, Kennedy Winford, Kaley Winford and Bernadette Winford; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Betty Smith; her sons, Merle Winford and David Winford; her son-in-law, Russell Lee Burton; and her brothers: Thomas Nelson Smith and Kenneth Wayne Smith.
Visitation and memorial services were held on May 22 at Schlanker Funeral Home. Kenneth Wilson officiated the services. Inurnment was at the Montgomery City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Helen Reagan Cancer Fund, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
