Betty Rosser Hams

Betty Rosser Hams, age 91, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 7:08 am Thursday, April 11, 2024, at her home.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the First Christian Church of Hannibal. Rev. Doug Job will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Grand View Burial Park. 

Visitation celebrating Betty's life will be held 10:00 am until the time of the service Saturday at the First Christian Church of Hannibal. 

The family is being served by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Betty was born on June 20, 1932, in Hannibal, MO, the daughter of Frank and Ella (Palmer) Rosser.

She was united in marriage to Jack Hams on September 15, 1951, in Hannibal, MO. He preceded her in death on June 29, 2013.

Survivors include two sons, Bill Hams (Karen) of Hannibal, MO and Bob Hams (Kathy) of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Seth Hams (Taylor), Grant Hams (Loren), Michael Hams (Caitlin), Katie Lorentz (Dan) and John Hams (Ani Kramer); twelve great-grandchildren, Brynlee, Cole, Mara, Jack, Henry, Katherine, Jane, Jack, Isabel, Maxine, Lewis, and Everett.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Rosser and sister, Kay Pierce.

Betty graduated from Hannibal High School and went on to further her education at Culver Stockton College, earning her degree in Education.

Betty worked as an Elementary Teacher and was instrumental in starting the LEAP program for Hannibal Public School System, where she was the LEAP coordinator for several years.

Betty was a member of PEO Chapter BR, Daughters of the American Revolution, several Bridge Clubs and Book Club, which she enjoyed with her many friends.

Betty was a member of First Christian Church where she took pleasure in participating in the Bethany Bell Choir and helped fill in as the church pianist when needed. 

Betty took great joy in traveling with Jack, not only in the U.S. in their Roadtrek along with their Roadtrek Club friends, but also traveling abroad. Betty was a talented pianist and took great pride in teaching her grandchildren to play. For over fifty years, Betty always looked forward to family vacations to Pawleys Island, S.C.  Betty biggest love and achievement was her family.  She will be greatly missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing her.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Seth Hams, Grant Hams, Michael Hams and John Hams

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice or PEO Chapter BR Scholarship fund in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Betty's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com  

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