Betty Jean “B.J.” Stark

Betty was born in Midwest, Wyoming on October 31, 1928, to Jewel B. (Couch) Reynolds and Duane W. Reynolds. At that time Midwest was a very small oil town. She worked at a diner where she met Fay L. “Lefty” Stark who was working in the oil field at the time. B. J. and Lefty eloped November 15, 1950 to Ft. Smith Arkansas. They lived in several states in the early part of their marriage as Lefty was transferred to Kansas, Texas, Montana, New Mexico, and Missouri and then back to New Mexico. They were married 71 years and 4 months. While living in Odessa, Texas they had two children, Michael Stark (Bobbi) of Waco, Texas, and Cynthia Schuder (Ronnie) of Rogersville, Missouri. Betty had a son from her first marriage Rick Garnhart (Janie) of Tensleep, Wyoming. Betty had a great love of embroidery and sewing. She made many pictures, quilts, and many items that will be treasured by loved ones for many generations. When they retired in 1992, they moved to Sun City, Arizona so Lefty could golf and they could enjoy the warmer weather. In 2019 they relocated to Waco, Texas to be nearer to family. After Lefty passed, Betty moved to her daughter’s house in Rogersville, Missouri. Betty’s husband passed away in February and she followed him 34 days later. Although she left too soon, we know she is united with her husband once again. Betty is survived by 9 grandsons and 3 granddaughters, 25 great grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, April 22, 2022 at J.D. Lee and Sons Funeral Home in Rogersville, Mo. Betty and Lefty will be buried at Fordland Cemetery in Fordland, Mo following the service.