Betty Jean (Valerius) Nausley, 94, of Festus died Oct. 29, 2026. Mrs. Nausley worked as a store clerk, school cook, ceramics teacher and childcare worker throughout her life; most importantly, she enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of the Charter Baptist Church of De Soto and a former longtime member of Faith Baptist Church of Festus. From an early age, she was known for her strong faith and for sharing it with her friends and family. Born March 3, 1932, in Campbell Hill, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Gladys Mae (Speith) and William Dwight Valerius.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Joseph Howard Nausley, whom she married on June 30, 1950.
She is survived by six children: Brenda (Robert) Crump of Festus, Donald (Karen) Nausley of Crystal City, Karen (David) Ruzicka of Festus, Steve (LaDonna) Nausley of Festus, Connie (Terry) Glidewell of De Soto and Tammie White of Festus; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Pat (Mike) Jennings of Campbell Hill; a brother: Danny (Mary) Valerius of Willisville, Ill.; and a brother-in-law: Jim Stevenson of Ava, Ill.
She also was preceded in death by a sister: Shirley Stevenson.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Charter Baptist Church, 15267 Hwy. T, in Festus, officiated by Pastor Chris Goodwin. Interment will be in Charter Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Jasmine Rhose Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.