Betty JoAnn Sohn

Betty JoAnn Sohn, 91, of Richwoods, passed away November 16, 2024 at St. Clair Nursing Center in St. Clair, MO with her family by her side. 
Betty (Hayes) Sohn was born January 10, 1933 in Richwoods,  daughter of the late Lawrence and Lorene (Sullivan) Hayes. 
Betty was the oldest of seven children, and she loved to tell stories of her childhood days, growing up with her sisters, brothers, and numerous friends and relatives in the small town of Richwoods. In later years, Betty could be counted on to be a fountain of information about the history (and genealogy) of the entire town to anyone who asked. 
When Betty was fifteen years old, she met the love of her life, Clarence Sohn, when she went with a friend to watch boxing matches between some of the local men. Clarence was one of the boxers. She would later smile and admit that she found him very handsome, not to mention he owned a nice car. 
Betty was united in marriage to Clarence Edward Sohn on November 20, 1948. Together, they welcomed four sons into the world and continued to love each other for 69 years until Clarence's death in 2018. 
Upon getting married, Betty and Clarence set about finding a farm where they would raise their sons, Mike, Ron, Carl, and Rick. Farming was hard work, but Betty was up for the challenge. She cultivated two large gardens, canning every kind of vegetable they grew - including as many as 150 quarts of green beans each year. During the hay season, Betty drove the hay truck while the men loaded it - then went in and cooked a hearty meal for the workers. 
Betty held various jobs throughout her life, including years caring for and comforting those in nursing homes. Upon reaching retirement, Betty started a new career substituting at local schools and serving as a teacher's aide. She loved interacting with the kids and continued this work well into her eighties. 
Betty did not believe in being idle. She enjoyed quilting and crocheting, keeping herself fit with long walks, and spending time with friends and relatives. She was an avid reader and liked to travel to new places when possible. In addition, she was an excellent cook, providing delicious meals for anyone who came to her home hungry. 
Betty found solace and strength in her faith, reading and studying her Bible every day. She was a longtime, active member of Richwoods Freewill Baptist Church and for over 70 years enjoyed the fellowship it provided her. Moreover, Betty took pleasure in attending the church's quarterly meetings and dedicated many years to volunteering at the annual children's church camp in Niangua, MO. 
Betty is survived by her sons: Mike (Margo) Sohn of Richwoods, Ron (Marcia) Sohn of Potosi and Carl (Kelly) Sohn of Sullivan. Betty leaves behind seven grandchildren: Mike Sohn, Roger Sohn, Mark Sohn, Rena Sohn, Carla Morton, Natashia Gillam, and Justin Sohn - along with thirteen great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great grandchildren. In addition, Betty is survived by her three siblings: Mary Lee Evans, Donna (Rev. Wayne) Leftridge, and Tom Hayes. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Sohn; her son, Rick Sohn; her brother Eddie Hayes; and sisters Patsy Hayes and Judy Hayes. 
Graveside services will be held November 21st at 11 a.m. at Prospect Cemetery in Lonedell, with Rev. Wayne Leftridge officiating. 
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Freewill Baptist Church of Richwoods, 10728 State Hwy A, Richwoods, MO 63071 please make it attention to the building/maintenance fund. 
Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home, DeSoto.