Bette Francis Jacobs

Bette Jacobs, 89, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at her home on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, surrounded by her loving family while holding a rosary in the hand of her loving husband of 67 years.

Bette Francis (Patterson) Jacobs was born in Sydney, Missouri, in Putnam County, on April 13, 1932, the daughter of Frank and Orpha (Chrisman) Patterson.  She graduated as Salutatorian from Unionville High School in 1950 and then attended a nursing school program in St. Joseph, Missouri. Bette married Edwin “Bud” Jacobs at the Naval Sation Chapel in San Diego, California, on November 15, 1952.  She then followed Bud in his 21-year Navy career moving from base to base and caring for their seven children.  She and Bud returned to Unionville upon his retirement from service and she worked briefly at Hy-Vee Food Store. Bette returned to nursing school after the last of the children graduated from high school and completed her RN degree.  She then worked as the head night nurse at Putnam County Memorial Hospital until 1985.

Bette and Bud joined the Peace Corp in 1985 where Bette continued her nursing career. They served in Western Samoa until 1987.  Upon returning to Unionville Bette was a volunteer at the PC Café and Resource Center and at the ministerial alliance Bargain Barn.  Bette’s faith was very important to her and so she was very active at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Unionville.  Bette was a voracious reader, often reading five books a week.  Her family remember her as the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother ever.  She was completely devoted to her family.

Bette is survived by her husband, Bud, and their seven children: Michael Jacobs, Texarkana, Texas; Stephen Jacobs, Columbia, Missouri; Martin (Theresa) Jacobs, San Diego, California; Susan (Clark) Holliday, Unionville, Missouri; Brian (Brenda) Jacobs, Unionville, Missouri; Bradly (Lisa) Jacobs, Bloomfield, Iowa; and Teresa Jacobs, Caldwell, Idaho. Twenty-five grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren also survive as well as a sister, Becky Summers of Centerville, Iowa.

Better was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Eilena Lawson, Lucille West, and Mary Durham; one brother, George Patterson; and a great-granddaughter Madison Roberts.

A funeral Mass will be held for Bette at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Unionville at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 25, 2021.  Burial will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Unionville. A Rosary will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 24.

Memorials are suggested and checks should be made payable to PC Café & Resource Center and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27 ^th St., Unionville, MO, 63565.