Betty Ivey

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Betty Lou Ivey, age 86, of Joplin, MO, entered eternal rest on Wednesday February 18, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Betty was born on March 25, 1939, the daughter of the late Henry and Grace Ann (Webb) Pickell in Gentry, AR. She graduated from Colcord Highschool in Oklahoma. She met the love of her life while still in Highschool, Terry Ivey. They were united in marriage on October 10, 1955, in Jay, OK and together they were blessed with four children. Terry preceded her in death on December 21, 2013.

In her early years, Betty did whatever it took to raise her family. She worked for twenty -five years for Motorola/Display Tech. Retiring as a supervisor in 2002. The group of people who she supervised would often say “she was the best boss that they had ever had”. In her soft kind way, she would speak up for her employees, making sure that their needs were taken care of. She and her husband, Terry, also owned and operated Ivey’s Service Center. The Service Center still remains open under the ownership of their daughter Pam Ivey. She was a great supporter of her husband’s racing career.

She loved spending time with family and friends at their lake house, making memories with the grandchildren. When she retired, she spent time traveling across the US. She and Terry would take the RV to special car races and go visit the relatives. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at her grandkids’ sporting events. Many times, they just traveled to see this beautiful country.

Betty had a way about her that made you feel comfortable. She spoke her mind but in a manner that would make you grin or giggle. She was a bit ornery and had a great sense of humor. Her kind calm spirit will be greatly missed. 

Betty is survived by; three daughters, Beverly Reding and husband Howard, Carthage, MO, Teresa Gilliam and husband Dave, Carl Junction, MO, and Pam Ivey, Joplin, MO; one son, Randall Ivey and wife Roxanne; Bernice, OK; one sister Diane Bly and husband Jack, Verdigris, OK; eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one sister, Joyce Whiteley.

Graveside funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday February 28th, at Ozark Memorial Cemetery. The pallbearers will be her grandsons, Zach Endicott, Jake Lawver, Luke Lawver, Jordan Rentfro, Levi Ivey, and Jason Sullivan, and great-grandsons, Brayden Bishop, and Braxten Bishop.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Joplin Humane Society in care of the mortuary.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.