Betty J. (Gilliland) Coale entered into eternal rest on November 26th, 2024 at the age of 90 as a result of injuries she sustained in an automobile accident.
She was born in Cooter, Mo. on April 25, 1934 to the late Robert G. Gilliland and Clara L. (Arnold) Gilliland.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Clara Gilliland, her husband Robert (Bob) Coale, daughter Leann (Coale) Lewis – Kelly, son-in-law George Lewis, son-in-law Larry Kelly, and granddaughter-in-law Christina (Haley) Lewis.
Betty was raised in Cooter and often told stories about her upbringing, especially years she spent picking cotton. During her 11th grade of high school her family moved to Esther, Mo. It was there she met the love of her life Robert (Bob) Coale. After graduating from Esther High School she and Bob married in 1952 and they were blessed with five children.
Betty was a member of the Esther Baptist Church. She was very proud of her 30 plus years of service with the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department.
Her biggest joy was her family. She could be found at any sporting event or dance competition her grandkids were in. She was a Festus Tiger, North County Raider and a Central Rebel.
Another of her favorite things in life to do was “running around” with her three sisters. They spent countless times together going to craft events, shopping, traveling, and the Casinos. Almost every Friday Betty and her siblings would meet for lunch, where they became regulars around town. She also enjoyed working with her family at the concession stand at the Park Hills Sports Complex. She was a tremendous blessing to everyone who knew her.
Betty is survived by her three sons; Mike Coale of Park Hills, J.W. (JoBeth) Coale of Bonne Terre, Robbie (Mary) Coale of Park Hills, and one daughter, Gina Coale of Desloge
Eleven grandchildren; Eric (Julie) Lewis, Colby Lewis, Sarah Ann Coale, Jason Coale, Jeremy Coale, Jesse Coale, Cody Coale, Sarah Jean (Chris) Myers, Andrea (Quincy) Cauble, Joe Coale, and Austin Coale
Seventeen great-grandchildren; Madison, Jayden, Cadence, Jacob, Briley, Bentley, Olivia, Parker, Jace, Bryson, Bashtian, Blakley, Mackinzey, Ben, CeCe, Taylor and Haley.
Five siblings; Robert Gilliland Jr., Barbara (LJ) Miller, Brenda (Roy) Berghaus, Bonita (Butch) Mahurin and Bruce (Patti) Gilliland.
Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.
Visitation Tuesday December 3, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Horton-Wampler Funeral Home, Park Hills, Mo.
Visitation will resume on Wednesday December 4, 2024 from 9:00 A.M. to time of funeral service at 1:00 P.M. at Horton-Wampler Funeral Home.
Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Leadington, Mo.
Memorials may be made to the St. Francois County Sheriffs Association.
