Betty Beniece Gotcher, 88, of Eureka, formerly of Montgomery City, died May 18, 2026, at St. Andrew's at Francis Place. Mrs. Gotcher worked for many years as an associate at GenCorp in Berger. She was devoted to her family, faith and the people she loved. Throughout her life, she remained active in her church and was known for her caring heart and generous spirit. She loved crocheting and arts and crafts, creating jewelry boxes, wreaths and handmade gifts for her family. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed tending her flowers and growing watermelons with her husband on their many acres of land. She also enjoyed hunting and was known to be a good shot, though not always the quietest hunter. She would often bring her favorite snacks along: Little Debbie Zebra Cakes and pecan pies. She loved people and animals, especially dogs. She also enjoyed shopping, had a wonderful sense of fashion and an unforgettable sense of humor. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, strong faith, creativity and the love she shared with others. Born April 10, 1938, in Frisbee, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Nelson Smith and Betty Myrtle (Britt) Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Clyde Edmond Gotcher, whom she married on June 13, 1970, in Montgomery City.
She is survived by three children: Carey (Jeff) Nye of Stony Hill, Sherry Winford of Stony Hill and Kenneth (Elizabeth) Winford of Pacific; a daughter-in-law: Elaine Winford; eight grandchildren: Shanon (Tony) Sabanos, Lauren (Justin) Kasperski, Merle Ray (Becca) Winford, Josh (Virginia) Winford, David Winford, Alexis Winford, Jacquelyn (Tommy) Watson and Jessica Winford; eight great-grandchildren: Amber Gaul, Abigal Gaul, Ethan Eslinger, Ashtan Eslinger, Addalyn Arnsparger, Kennedy Winford, Kaley Winford and Bernadette Winford; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She also was preceded in death by two sons: Merle Winford and David Winford; a son-in-law: Russell Lee Burton; and two brothers: Thomas Nelson Smith and Kenneth Wayne Smith.
A visitation is scheduled from 2 p.m. until a memorial service at 4 p.m. today, May 22, at Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, in Montgomery City, 63361, officiated by Kenneth Wilson. Inurnment will follow in the Montgomery City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Helen Reagan Cancer Fund, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Schlanker Funeral Home.