Betty Jean Louiselle

Betty Jean Simmons Louiselle, 90, passed away on June 20, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on May 27, 1936, and grew up in Boyne City, Michigan, the second daughter of Richard and Vera Simmons. After Richard passed away when Betty was still very young, her mother married Leonard Kraemer, who became the father figure lovingly known by Betty’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

From an early age, Betty possessed an adventurous, inquisitive, and energetic spirit. That spirit was on full display when she met the love of her life, Niley Allan Louiselle, at the local Grange Hall in Boyne City. Their romance blossomed quickly. In the spring of 1953, Allan enlisted in the United States Air Force and was sent to Clovis, New Mexico, for basic training. Not wanting to be separated from Betty, he proposed and purchased her a one-way bus ticket so they could be married there. Their union became a beautiful marriage that lasted 71 years, ending only with Allan’s passing on July 31, 2024.

As an Air Force wife, Betty quickly adapted to a life of travel and change. The family lived at duty stations in Missouri and South Dakota before returning to Michigan for Allan’s final assignments. While raising five children, Betty made involvement in their lives her highest priority. She led her oldest daughter’s Girl Scout troop, sponsored Protestant Youth of the Chapel (PYOC) groups, chaperoned countless school activities, and attended nearly every competition and event in which her children participated.

She was deeply invested in her children’s education and took great care to encourage each of their unique talents and dreams. Her love of reading, sewing, quilting, and lifelong learning became gifts she passed on to her family. Beyond motherhood, Betty cultivated many lasting friendships and was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi International during her younger years.

Contributing to her family’s success were the countless bowls of hot oatmeal she served and the pancakes she flipped, instilling the habit of starting each day with a good breakfast. Though a household with five children could easily have been chaotic, Betty created an atmosphere of calm order and stability. She believed that reading was one of the best ways to spend the gift of time. Through her example of clean living, strong values, perseverance, and fairness, she taught her family lessons that would last a lifetime. She also modeled what a lasting marriage looked like—growing as individuals, working through challenges, and remaining committed through every season of life.

Perhaps most important to Betty was her faith in Jesus Christ. She openly shared her love for the Lord and faithfully devoted time each day to reading her Bible and praying. She often spoke of the wisdom, comfort, and understanding she gained through her relationship with God, and she passed that faith on to her children through both her words and her example.

Following Allan’s retirement from the Air Force, the couple settled in Springfield, Missouri, where they became active members of Wesley United Methodist Church. Betty served the church faithfully, including many years in a secretarial role. During this season of life, she also pursued a lifelong dream of attending college. In 1979, she graduated with honors from Southwest Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and graduating magna cum laude. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she later earned both her CPA and Realtor licenses, further demonstrating her determination, intellect, and strong work ethic.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Allan; her parents; and her sisters Margaret, Beverly, and Sue.

She is survived by her sisters, Dixie Cosier and Vera Arnott; her children, Roxanne Parrott (John), Rick Louiselle (Song), Cynthia Ingenthron (Chandis), Tammy Brown (Ed), and Karen Wiser (David); her grandchildren, Ben Parrott (Beth), Joy Smith (Jordan), Dan Louiselle (Katie), Jason Brown (Renee), Sijae Brown, Chris Wiser (Erin), and Caity Wiser; and her great-grandchildren, Grace and Sam Parrott, Elle Smith, Easton Louiselle, and Twyla Brown. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Betty received from the staff at The Manor at Elfindale and the Cox Hospice team.

Betty’s life was defined by faith, family, education, service, and perseverance. Her legacy lives on in the generations she loved, encouraged, and inspired.