Betty Jean (Hudspeth) Buford

Betty Jean (Hudspeth) Buford, 66, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Friday, February 13, 2015, at her home. Born August 21, 1948, in Columbia, Missouri, she was the daughter of Perry and Norma Hudspeth. She was united in marriage to Gary Buford on January 6, 2006. Known in some circles as "Bad Betty", Queen of the Drag Strip, she enjoyed attending drag strip races, traveling, reading mystery books, playing poker at McCoy's, eating brunch at Mel's Cafe every day, watching plays and movies, cheering on the Cardinals, Chiefs and Mizzou and, above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Anyone who knew Betty has countless memories of all she did to help them without judgment, making them feel special. She possessed a unique gift in touching the lives of others and in loving the way no one else could love. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of meeting her. Betty was the proud mother of three children and four step-children: Lisa Etter (Will Boessen), St. Thomas, Mo., Scott Surface, Jefferson City, Mo., Chris Christian (Amanda), Jefferson City, Mo., Jeff Christian, St. Louis, Mo., Richard Buford (Teisha), Kansas City, Mo., Candace Buford, Jefferson City, Mo. and Scott Buford, Nevada. She loved and cherished nine grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Nick Etter, Ashaki Page, Kiefer Watson, Adam Etter, Samantha Surface, Cody Surface, Maggie Etter, Tyler Surface, Brianna Surface, Keira Buford, Delia Buford; and, three great grandchildren: Marley Etter, Logan Watson, and one on the way. She had numerous nieces and nephews she loved as her own and many much-loved cousins. She is survived by her husband and children; her father, Perry Hudspeth, Jefferson City; two sisters, Nancy Massie (Don), Carol Drinkard (Donnie), both of Jefferson City; two brothers, Dwight Hudspeth of Mexico, Mo. and Richard Hudspeth, Washington D.C. She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma (Hartley) Hudspeth and one brother, Mark Hudspeth. A Celebration of Betty's Life is planned for Sunday, February 22, 2015, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of the Eagle's on Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City. Balloons will be available for release with heartfelt messages for Betty to receive. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 13801 Riverport Dr. Ste. 303, Maryland Hieghts, MO 63143.