Betty Jean Yeager

Betty Jean (Mackley) Yeager of Farmington passed away unexpectedly at her home on July 26, 2011. She was born on August 5, 1936, at Bonne Terre, to the late Melbourne Fleming and Sylvia (Rickard) Mackley. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her foster parents, Charles Hugo and Zelda Theo (Martin) Cozean, a brother, John Richard Mackley, and a foster brother, Robin Cozean. Betty grew up in Farmington as part of a large family. Her favorite pastime was finding antiques and also adding to her beloved chicken and rooster collection. She enjoyed growing flowers and watching birds, especially the hummingbirds. She also loved going to Hunt's Drive In for a chocolate Pepsi. She was a long-time member of Memorial United Methodist Church of Farmington and more recently she enjoyed attending the Hurryville Freewill Baptist Church. Survivors include her son, James Yeager and wife Pamela; two grandsons, Eric Yeager and wife Kimberly, all of Farmington, and Perry Yeager and wife Christina of Park Hills; three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Hailey and Charlie; five brothers and sisters, Mary J. (Mackley) Christy and husband John of Poplar Bluff, Patricia J. (Mackley) Patterson of Brookings, OR, Judith A. (Mackley) Butler of Farmington, Edward L. Mackley and wife Sandy of Sandy Springs, GA, Linda K. (Mackley) Foreman and husband Ken of Oak Ridge, MO, Melba Elaine (Mackley) Moore of Colorado Springs, CO, and George Kenneth Mackley and wife Debe of St. Robert, MO; and her very good friend, Betty Jo Conrad of Farmington. Also surviving are her foster brothers and sisters, Dr. Charles H. Cozean, Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Dr. Jon D. Cozean of Farmington, Mary Alexander and husband Jim of Panama City, FL, Jody Styron of Branson, MO, and Nancy Jacobs of Poughkeepsie, NY. A host of nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 29. Visitation will resume Saturday morning at 7 a.m. with a funeral service at 10 a.m. with Chaplain Jacob Pollard officiating. Interment will be at Parkview Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be made to Donor's Choice. View the Tribute Video and share your memories and condolences at cozean.biz.