Betty Tennis

Betty Lou (Moore - Patrick) Tennis, 83, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and a heart that made everyone feel at home. Born May 17, 1942, in Branson, Missouri, Betty lived her life in the Ozarks surrounded by the places and people she loved. She was born to James F. Moore and Thelma (Roberts) Moore. Later, Thelma married Calvin Patrick, who became Betty’s stepfather and an important part of her life and family.

Betty was the kind of person you didn’t forget. She had a gentle way about her—soft-spoken, sweet, and sincere. If you met her, you loved her. She made people feel comfortable, cared for, and seen, often without even realizing she was doing it. Her presence was calming, her smile was genuine, and her love for Jesus and others was steady and true.

After marrying her late husband, Verlin Tennis, on March 1, 1979, Betty made her home in Rockaway Beach, Missouri, where she built a life marked by devotion and resilience. Verlin preceded her in death on October 2, 1987, and Betty carried on with the same grace that defined her in every season of life.

Betty worked hard and took pride in everything she did. Over the years, she spent time working at Fasco Industries in Ozark, served as City Clerk of Ozark, Missouri, assisted husband Verlin with Holt Auction CO., caretaker for Luella Patrick, and later worked at Patrick’s Family Restaurant in Nixa before fully retiring. No matter where she was, she brought her warmth with her—treating people with respect, patience, and the kind of goodness that feels rare today.

Betty was also a faithful member of Riverdale Baptist Church in Nixa, and her life reflected her faith through the simple ways she loved people: quietly, consistently, and without expecting anything in return.

In the past year, Betty faced one of the greatest challenges of her life—esophageal cancer—and she did what she always did: she fought and never complained. With determination and courage, she battled and won that fight, showing everyone around her what strength looks like when it’s wrapped in gentleness. Although her body gave up, her spirit never did.

Betty is survived by her beloved companion and best friend, her dog Gigi, who brought her daily joy and constant comfort. She is also survived by her loving, nephew, Mike Patrick; her cousins: Rod Patrick (Leisha); Dorthella Patrick; and brother-in-law, Bill Tennis (Phyllis).

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Verlin Tennis; her father, James F. Moore, stepfather, Calvin Patrick; mother, Thelma (Roberts) Patrick, and stepbrother, Eddie Lee Patrick,

The family would like to especially thank Betty’s special friends: Kristy, Sandy, Carolyn, Evelyn, and Colleen who were incredible angel helpers for her.

Betty’s life was not about attention or recognition—it was about love. And that love will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her, worked with her, or simply had the blessing of meeting her. Nephew Mike commented, “To me, she wasn’t just Aunt Betty — she was comfort, kindness, and home.”

In honor of Betty, the family encourages others to do what she did so naturally: follow Jesus, be kind, be gentle, and love people well.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the CoxHealth Foundation, which supports cancer services and patient needs at the Hulston Cancer Center in Springfield, Missouri.

A memorial visitation for Betty Tennis will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.  A private burial at Ozarks Memorial Park, Branson, will be held at a later date.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory and arrangements are under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.