Janet Sue Batson

In the early morning of Aug 23, 2025, with her family by her side and singing her Home, Janet Sue Batson, 86, was welcomed to Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Janet was born on March 8, 1939, in her Grandmother Sims' home in Republic, Missouri, to Don and Josephine "Jo" Britain. She was the oldest of three sisters, and took that role very seriously.

She met the love of her life, Ray Batson, in grade school. They had their first date, to the movie theater on Main St, when she was in 8th grade. She says she never opened another car door in her life, as Ray was always there, holding her hand. She enjoyed playing softball, cheerleading, and playing clarinet in the school band.

Ray and Janet were married in Harrison, Arkansas, February 19, 1957. Janet was 17 and Ray was 19. Her mother accompanied them to sign, as did their good friends Danny Swearengin and Karen Kubat. They honeymooned at the RHS basketball game that night where Janet returned to cheer! Six children were born to this wonderful union.

From early on, Janet was active in church, bringing her family with her. She taught Sunday School to many age groups, drove the church bus, ministered through visitation and Vacation Bible School, and organized the best pot-luck! She blessed many BBC students, missionaries, pastors, and Southern Gospel singers with her lunches after church. Ray and Janet were members of Crossway Baptist Church and looked forward to being part of their ministry. Later in life, her intention and mission was to plant seeds in the lives of her friends and family. She knew where she would soon be going and would ask each one she could talk to if they were going to meet her there, too. Two of her favorite verses in times like this are Joshua 1:9 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Janet and Ray loved to travel. Summer road-trips, whether planned or spur-of-the-moment, were not uncommon and resulted in some wonderful stories and amazing memories! She just loved to go! Go shopping, go out to dinner, go to concerts, go to grandchildren's events. She was an active supporter of Republic Tigers activities and anything her grandchildren were part of. She has quite the collection of Republic, Springfield, New Covenant, Willard, and Reeds Spring attire to plan accordingly! Janet drove a school bus for the Republic School District for 31 years. This job allowed her to be actively involved in her children' s activities and home for her family in the evening. She was also active in planning and organizing many events for the Ozarks Area Racers Association.

After seeing Jesus, Janet was welcomed Home by their infant daughter, Sheila Anne; her mother, Jo Bacon, and dad, Don Britain; her sister, Susan Jameson; daughter-in-law Donna Batson; grandchildren Jason Tucker and Sarah Batson; their "son" Larry Flett.

Janet will be greatly missed by her faithful husband of 68 years, Ray L. Batson; Children Diana Tucker (J) of Springfield; Steven Batson (Carlie) of Fordland; Robin Talley (Darin) of Rogersville; Joni Batson of Springfield; Renée Waters (Kevin) of Branson; 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; sister Linda Salsman (James); and many special family and friends.

The family invites donations in Janet's Memory be given to: Project Purple www.projectpurple.org PO Box 884, Seymour, CT 06483 OR Shelly Sachs Foundation PO Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801 www.shellysachsfoundation.org