BETTY JEAN ANDERSON
February 24, 1942 – August 10, 2025

 Betty Jean (Sparks) Anderson, 83, of rural Monroe City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
 She was born on February 24, 1942, in Hannibal, Missouri, the daughter of Ella A. (Burditt) and Harold Rash Sparks.
 On June 16, 1963, Betty married the love of her life, Donald Edgar Anderson. They shared 55 wonderful years together before his passing on May 20, 2019.
 Betty was a dedicated public servant with a deep passion for health care for the elderly and disadvantaged. She worked at the Ralls County Health Department for 31 years, serving as administrator for nearly 25. During her tenure, she transformed home health services, served on numerous boards and committees, and even testified before the United States Congress on the state of public health. In recognition of her outstanding service, Betty was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the White House.
 After retiring, Betty continued her mission to help others by volunteering at the Hannibal Free Clinic for 13 years, where she focused on reducing the costs of medications for patients. Through her tireless efforts, she helped raise over $11 million for the clinic. A coworker once described her as a “force of nature,” and no truer words were ever spoken.
 Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Betty was an avid sports fan. She rarely missed a game, following the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, NCAA men’s and women’s basketball, and NCAA softballoften watching two or three games at the same time. Her passion for sports was matched only by her love for her family and her church. She treasured growing up surrounded by her large family and poured her energy and heart into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
 Betty was a lifelong member of Prairie View Baptist Church, where her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.
 She is survived by two sons, Donald Ray Anderson of Garden City, Kansas, and Leslie Harold Anderson (Cindy) of Lexington, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Stephanie Camic (Nick), Jennifer Breitinger (Kyle), Ben Anderson (Brandi), Melissa Anderson, and Lindsay Anderson and fiancé Jodan Gembarski; and four great-grandchildren, Charlie Camic, Maggie Camic, Andy Breitinger, and Miller Camic. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Sparks, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Harold Wayne Sparks.
 Funeral service arrangements are pending at the Garner Funeral Home & Chapel in Monroe City, Missouri. Online condolences may be left at garnerfuneralchapel.com.