Betty Lou (Riggins) Brooks

Betty Lou (Riggins) Brooks was born June 3, 1935, in Salem, Missouri. She was one of three children born to Benjamin and Clara (Land) Riggins. Betty grew up in Salem and attended Salem High School. Betty was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Paul Elisha Brooks, March 21, 1952, in Salem, Arkansas. They shared together sixty-four years of memories before his passing June 28, 2016. Betty and Paul were blessed with five children: Roger, Ronald, Rahonda, Rodney, and Robert. Betty worked hard to help provide for her family. She was a sewing machine operator at the International Shoe Factory for many years. Betty’s passion for gardening led her to work for the George O. White State Forest Nursery up until seven years ago. Betty truly enjoyed spending time outdoors and has many fond memories camping at Montauk. She enjoyed fishing and listening to music. Most important to her was spending time with her family. She was a wonderful grandmother and cherished her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church in Salem and attended faithfully until her health no longer allowed. She was a kind, warm, compassionate, and caring lady who always put others before herself. Betty entered into eternal rest May 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty-seven years. She is survived by her loving children: Roger Brooks and wife Barbara of Salem, MO, Ronald Brooks of Salem, MO, Rahonda Wingfield and husband Larry of Salem, MO, Rodney Brooks and wife Kerrylee of Wasilla, AK, and Robert Brooks of Salem, MO; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death, loving husband: Paul Brooks; son-in-law: Larry Inman; grandson: Devin (Wingfield) Everett; parents: Benjamin and Clara Riggins; and her siblings: Darrel Riggins and Bernice Blevins. Betty will be remembered for her beautiful smile and uplifting personality. She was a special lady and great friend to many. Betty will be deeply missed by those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Betty Lou (Riggins) Brooks were held Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Lyndell Decker officiating. Song selections played were “Rock of Ages”, “Old Rugged Cross”, “I’ll Leave This World Loving You”, “If You Could See Me Now”, and “When I Get Where I’m Going”. Serving as Pallbearers were Trey Hampton, Cody Hampton, Chris Inman, Steven Inman, Larry Wingfield, and Marty Hampton. Honorary Pallbearers were David Brown, Blake Brown, and Brock Brown. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Betty Brooks to the First Baptist Church Youth Group and left at Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Betty Lou (Riggins) Brooks

June 3, 1935 - May 13, 2023