Bettye Jean Avery, 88, of St. Louis died Jan. 24, 2020, at Fountainbleau Nursing Center in Festus. Mrs. Avery was a member of Lemay Baptist Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed fishing, reading and playing piano. Born Aug. 16, 1931, in Lesterville, she was the daughter of the late Bernice (Keathley) Shelley and Leeman Sutton.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Jack Avery.
She is survived by two sons: Tim Shelley of Festus and Dave (Carol) Shelley of Pevely; two stepchildren: John Avery of St. Louis and Debbie (Jim) Gebert of St. Louis; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a daughter: Linda Sidman; a brother: James Sutton; and a grandson: Ryan Shelley.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Mahn Funeral Home, 515 Collins Ave., in Festus. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Bob Thebeau. Burial will be at the Annapolis (Md.) Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Pony Bird, Inc., 1 Pony Bird Lane, Mapaville, MO 63065. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mahn Funeral Home.