Betty Jo (Yates) Cothern, 89, of St. Clair died Feb. 6, 2025, at Crystal Oaks Assisted Living in Crystal City. Mrs. Cothern was a member of the Assembly of God Church as a member of the Protestant faith and enjoyed gardening, especially flowers, landscaping, collecting angels and spending time with her friends and family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kind heart, nurturing spirit and love for her family. Born June 9, 1935, in Yuma, Ariz., she was the daughter of the late Ollie (Ross) and Clyde Yates.
She was preceded in death by both of her husbands: John William Bunyard, whom she married on June 6, 1953, and Raymon Lloyd Cothern, whom she married on June 29, 1962.
She is survived by four sons: Roy Cothern of Imperial, Matt (Helena) Cothern of St. Clair, Dale (Theresa) Bunyard of Williamsville and Doug Bunyard of St. Clair; a daughter: Sherri (Ron) Mabrey of De Soto; a brother: Bob Yates; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Igeana and Geneva; a dear friend: Juanita Melton; and many other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a son: Raymon II; a brother: Leroy Yates; and a sister: Mary Ann Cayton.
Services were held Feb. 13 at St. Clair Assembly of God Church in St. Clair. Burial was in Carson Hill Cemetery in Mill Spring. Arrangements were under the direction of Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont.