Betty Jane Dryer

Betty Jane Dryer, daughter of the late Samuel and Cordelia "Cordie" (Strayhorn) Gamblin, was born May 31, 1943 and departed this life on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Betty was born in Searcy, Arkansas, the youngest of five children. The family eventually moved to St. Louis, then when Betty was in eighth grade she came with her parents to a farm west of Louisburg, Mo. As a teenager, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior during a revival at Louisburg First Baptist Church. She was baptized and joined the church. She was a member at the time of her passing. Tragically, her father died of cancer when Betty was just fifteen years old. She and her mother stayed on the farm, Betty went on to graduate from Buffalo High School and Cordie lived on the farm until nearly 92 years of age. Cordie was a lone surviving triplet and there were twins in the family as well. Betty Gamblin wed Loren Dryer on May 28, 1961. They celebrated 61 years of marriage in 2022. To this union, three sons were born. Betty became well known with families in the area as the Office Secretary at D.A. Mallory Elementary School for 33 years. She faithfully served the community at election polling in Louisburg for decades and as a pastor's wife. She enjoyed being part of the local Red Hat Society. She was an ardent and faithful St. Louis Cardinals fan. She watched and listened to countless games and could talk stats, strategy and players with the best. Her gentle nature and amiable personality won her many lifelong friends. She was well read and impossible to beat at Trivial Pursuit. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings: Truman Gamblin, Bertha Burton and Evelyn Kaylor. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Loren Dryer of their longtime home in Louisburg; their sons, Sam and Tammie Dryer of Tunas, Dan Dryer of Buffalo and Debby Dryer of Buffalo, Chris and Jennifer Dryer of Nevada, MO; one sister, Doris Frye of Hermitage, MO. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Bro. Aaron Taylor officiating. Escorts will be grandsons, Nathan Dryer, Calvin Dryer, Jackson Dryer, Jacob Dryer; grandsons-in-law, Dakota Yates and Colton Salmons; great-grandson, Landyn Crawford; and granddaughters, Danai Yates and Jessica Salmons. Honorary escorts will be her great-grandkids: Taylyn Kindel, Nyla Yates, Micah Yates, Elisha Dryer, Cameron Salmons, Kennedy Salmons, Hadley Jane Dryer and Whitley Dryer. Visitation was Saturday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Mission Ridge Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. The family requests that any donations be made to Jacob's Ladder in Springfield or to the Mission Ridge Cemetery fund. Betty Dryer was dearly loved by many and will be missed. We have great memories. Heaven's gain is our loss until we see her again.

Betty Jane Dryer

May 31, 1943 - December 8, 2022