Betty J Moss

Betty Jean Moss, 87, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Columbia Manor in Columbia, MO. She was born on October 8, 1938, in Sikeston, MO, to Jesse Pate and Francis Irene (Fortner) Perry.

Betty grew up as one of eight children, six girls and two boys. Their Papa was a sharecropper in the Southeast Missouri Bootheel, in Mississippi County, raising cotton.

Prior to retirement, Betty and her former husband, Bob Edwards, owned and operated the Corner Tavern in Ashland and Club 50 in St. Martins.

Later, she became the owner of The Hideaway in McBain, conveniently located along the Katy Trail, where she enjoyed getting to know many of the trail riders who passed through. Betty was known for her unmatched work ethic, her warm hospitality, and her talent in the kitchen, especially her famous prime rib and burgers, which kept friends and customers coming back again and again!

Betty’s strength and resilience were remarkable. After her business was devastated by two separate floods and later by a fire, she rebuilt each time, always coming back stronger than before. She also spent time working at Rock Bridge High School, bringing the same commitment and determination to her work there.

Survivors include her children, Janice Tilger of Poteau, OK; Connie M. Sullivan (James Purdy) of Columbia, MO; Robert Randall Edwards (Laura Kidwell) of Ashland, MO; Linda “Sissy” Turner (Brian) of Hartsburg, MO; and Kenneth Edwards; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her brother, Robert Perry (Donna) of St. Louis, MO; and four sisters, Dottie Manns of Hartsburg, MO; Ruth Anderson (Kurt) of Columbia, MO; Katie Kingery of Osage Beach, MO; and Joy Perry (Mike Scott) of Osage Beach, MO, a son-in-law, Jimmy Ditto, a sister-in-law, Becky Perry, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, special friends, and her beloved dog, Lizzie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sandra K. Ditto; a son, Danny Joe Lehman; two grandchildren, Heather and Jason Wilson, a brother, J.P. Perry, and a sister, Lena M. Dunn.

Betty was tough and resilient, but she also had a warm and loving heart, especially when it came to her family. She loved listening to country music and singing while relaxing with a glass of wine, often turning simple moments into cherished memories. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her family, especially her sisters. Their annual “sisters-only” Christmas party was a tradition filled with laughter, stories, singing, and a closeness that meant the world to her. She treasured every member of her family and remained deeply connected to them all.

Betty’s compassion reached every corner of her life, including the animals she cared for so deeply. She had a natural way of comforting and connecting with them, and her faithful companion, Lizzie, brought her endless joy. To honor her love for animals, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Central Missouri Humane Society, Second Chance, or a charity of your choice.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at the visitation on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, MO. Services honoring and celebrating Betty’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m. Private committal prayers and burial will be held at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, MO.