Betty Springer

Betty Mitchell Hallenbeck Springer, 86, of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, April 4, 2005, at the Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

She was born on Nov. 7, 1918, in Meridian, Miss., to Sallie Lewis Hallenbeck Chancellor and Harry Edison Hallenbeck.

She and Willis Andrew Springer were married on Aug. 24, 1940, in Puerto Barrios, Honduras. Willis passed away on Dec. 28, 1992.

She was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church US and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. She was president of the Women of the Church in several congregations. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames.

Betty was a member of the Metairie Women's Club and Drug Travelers Auxiliary in New Orleans, La. In Meridian she was president of the Pink Ladies at Rush's Hospital and on the Board of Directors of King's Daughters Nursing Home. Betty also worked at the Cape Girardeau Seniors' Center.

Betty was known for being a southern lady and a gracious hostess. She welcomed visitors with her delicious southern cooking. She was a deeply spiritual woman who loved Bible study, inspirational readings and family.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Mark Springer; a granddaughter and husband, Susan and Jason Ayers; great-grandchildren, Savanna and Zachary Ayers, all of Cape Girardeau, and Joseph Hallenbeck of Meridian, Miss.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Trey Springer, and two step-brothers, Jack and Jean Hallenbeck of Florida.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. Services will be officiated by the Rev. Derek Swanson and the Rev. Paul Kabo.

Pallbearers will be James Maurer, Mitch Miller, James Govero, Neal Tanner, Sandy Campbell, Luke Landgraf, and Owen Elfrink.

Donations can be made to the Trey Springer Memorial Scholarship at Notre Dame High School.