Betty Lee Obituary

Betty Ruyle Lee, age 89, went to her heavenly home on January 6, 2026, while in memory care at the Manor at Elfindale in Springfield, MO. She was a most beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, as well as a devout member of True Hope Missionary Baptist Church for more than 55 years, who will be dearly missed by her many family members and friends.

Born February 19, 1936, in Slagle, MO, Betty Lee Ruyle was the eldest child of Weldon "Dee" Ruyle and Chloe Ella Slagle Ruyle. The young farm family grew to include Betty's younger siblings Connie, Nancy, Charles, and Mary Ann Ruyle. In her youth, Betty attended Hickory Point Grade School near Slagle, followed by Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville, MO, where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1954. Shortly after graduation, Betty attended Southwest Missouri State on a scholarship to study secretarial science.

In the mid-1950's, Betty's parents introduced the beautiful Betty Lee Ruyle to James Carl "Buck" Lee of Pleasant Hope, MO after a church service at Slagle Creek Missionary Baptist Church. After Buck's return from serving in the US Army in Japan during the Korean War, the two courted and eventually married on October 21, 1956, in her parent's home in Slagle. They were soon blessed with the birth of two beloved sons, David and Darrell, whom they were devoted to raising in a Christian home.

Betty and Buck moved throughout the Midwest in the 1960's and 70's while Buck was employed by Western Electric and Betty managed their home and sons. During these years, Betty was active as a dedicated and talented homemaker, seamstress, church volunteer, den mother, and chauffeur to her sons' many athletic, musical, and academic endeavors.

Betty and Buck were each other's best friends. They enjoyed celebrating their devotion to faith and family for more than 65 years of marriage. They often entertained members of their family – as well as their church family – in their lovely home where Betty skillfully played the piano and eloquently sang her favorite church hymns. Betty's culinary skills were exceptional, and the cookie jar was always full of her grandchildren's favorite chocolate chip cookies. The couple were avid readers and enjoyed traveling with their sons and Betty's mother Chloe, visiting Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Alaska, Disneyland and more.

Betty lived a joyful life surrounded by her family's love, devotion, and respect. She is survived by her dedicated sons David and wife Sherry Lee of Port Orange, FL; and Darrell and wife Kelly Lee of Burleson, TX; adored grandsons Jared and wife Jamie Lee of St. Augustine, FL; and Ryan and wife Erin Lee of Springfield; and four precious great-grandchildren Nora, Jasmine, Nolan and Jack Lee. Betty is also survived by her treasured sister and best friend Connie and husband Michael "Mick" Hood of Bolivar, MO; beloved brother Charles and wife Nancy Ruyle of St. Louis, MO; and four dear nephews Matt and Jason Ruyle, Aaron Hood, and Joshua Sutterfield.

Betty was predeceased by her husband James Carl "Buck" Lee, parents Weldon and Chloe Ruyle, sisters Nancy Jo and Mary Ann Ruyle, and nephews John Ruyle and Shane DeGraffenreid.

Visitation will be held 6-8 pm, Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole in Springfield. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Friday, January 23, with Brother Jerry Grant officiating. Burial will follow at 1 pm, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road, in Springfield.

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.