Bette Jane Branson (Welch), 91, passed away July 29, 2026, at Gasconade Manor, where she deeply appreciated the staff and the exceptional care she received.
She was born on Nov. 10, 1934, to the late James Marion Welch and Reba Mae (Lindner) Welch.
She graduated from Bland High School and spent her life devoted to her family, friends, church, and community.
Bette was united in marriage to the love of her life, Vance Branson on June 28, 1952, in Bland. Together they built a home filled with warmth, hospitality and love.
Throughout her life, she was a dedicated worker. While still in school, Bette began working at her Aunt Guthrie Licklider’s General Store in Bland. She later worked at International Shoe in Belle, Town and Country Shoe in Sedalia, Montgomery Ward in Jefferson City as the assistant manager, and Missouri River Home Health and Hospice.
She was a member of Fairground Road Church of Christ.
Bette had a passion for cooking and caring for others. She rarely let a visitor leave her home without offering food, a drink, or both. Her generous spirit became a family joke, with her sister-in-law often telling her, “I’m here to visit. I’m not thirsty or hungry. Just sit down and don’t ask again.”
One of her greatest joys was spending time at her cabin on the Gasconade River. She loved floating the river, entertaining friends and making lasting memories with those she loved. Bette was especially devoted to her grandchildren, Nikki and Gavin, providing them with abundant love, guidance and the treasured experience of having a deeply involved grandmother.
She was preceded in death by husband,Vance; parents, James and Reba; brothers, James Welch and wife, Phyllis and CSM William Welch and wife Loraine; brothers-in-law, Victor Branson and Gilbert Branson and wife Mary; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Davis and husband Andy and Pauline Schirman and husband Bill; and many nieces and nephews.
Bette is survived by son, James Branson and wife Deann of Bland; grandchildren, Nicole Pohlmann and husband Matthew of Jefferson City and Gavin Branson and friend Ryann Gander of Jefferson City; great-grandson, Vance Pohlmann of Jefferson City; sister-in-law, Lucy Branson of Vienna; and nieces, Phylene Jakobsen and husband Nick of Houston, Texas and Renee Frostbutter and husband Stan of Titusville, Fla.
Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m., (today) Wednesday, Aug. 5, followed by the funeral services at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, with Minister Terry Cary officiating.
Interment and a graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 6, at Countryside Memorial Gardens in Owensville.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ or the Lions Eye Bank.
Bette will be remembered for her generous heart, unwavering devotion to family, welcoming hospitality and the love she shared so freely with all who knew her.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com.
