Betty Jean Hardy of Irondale, Missouri was born on Friday, February 6, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri. A daughter of the late, Olivia Muriel (Beauchamp) Forshee Cofer and the late, Roscoe Forshee. Betty departed this life on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Washington County Memorial Hospital in Potosi, Missouri having reached the age of eighty-five years, eight months and sixteen days.

She was united in marriage to Robert Hardy on Saturday, October 2, 1948 in Irondale, Missouri and this union was blessed with nine children.

She is survived by nine children: Robert Lee and wife, Brenda Hardy of Irondale, Missouri; BJ and husband, Charles Maxson of Park Hills, Missouri; Mildred Elaine Owens of Bismarck, Missouri; Melissa Sue Evans of Illinois; Sally Jo and husband, Roger Addington of Lead, South Dakota; James Steven and wife, Kathy Hardy of Centennial, Colorado; Melody Faye Pirtle of Woodson Terrace, Missouri; Thomas Ched Hardy of Irondale, Missouri; Amy Kathleen Hardy of Irondale, Missouri; one sister, Betty Ann "Susie" and husband, Eugene Lashley of Leadwood, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Pamela Sue Hardy of Mineral Point, Missouri; son-in-law, Michael Lynn Evans of Overland, Missouri; nineteen grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; also surviving are many loving nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leon Hardy, father, Roscoe Forshee, mother, Olivia Muriel Forshee Cofer, stepmother, Desta Elizabeth Forshee, stepfather, James Arvil Cofer, brother, James Harold Forshee and one great-granddaughter, Hazel Lily Beutler.

Betty was an amazing artist, she loved to draw, do calligraphy, crotchet, quilt, sew and write poetry. She was also a very talented cook, being famous for her donuts. Betty loved spending time with her family and anytime there was a baby around she would hold them as long as she could. She was a very devoted wife and loved her husband unconditionally and everyone knows how happy she is they are together again.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Moore Funeral Home, Irondale, Missouri.

A Funeral Service was held Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Moore Funeral Homes, Irondale, Missouri with Pastor Brian Jenkerson officiating.

Final prayers and burial took place in the Big River Cemetery in Irondale, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were: Robert Lee Hardy II, Michael William Evans, Thomas Lilburn Addington, James Christopher Pirtle, Ryan Nicholas Hardy and Remo Roger Addington.

Services were entrusted under the care and direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 104 Oak Street, Irondale, MO 63648.

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