Beatrice Josephine “Betty Jo” DeLess, age 86, of Crossett, AR passed away on November 23, 2016 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.  She was born on August 20, 1930 in Sutherlin, OR to her parents, Raymond Charles Sr. and Doris Lillian Fry Hoyt.  Mrs. DeLess was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bruce Chapman DeLess and a son, David Charles DeLess.

Mrs. DeLess graduated from Springfield Consolidated High School in 1948 and Forest Echoes Technical School of Business in 1984.  She had been employed at Bell Telephone Company, Georgia Pacific Corporation Accounting Department, Dr. Douglas Phillips and First United Methodist Church.

Betty enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking and arts and crafts.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, where she was secretary for eleven years; served on many boards and committees and leadership roles in local, district and conference of United Methodist Women.

Mrs. DeLess had been active member of Crossett Junior  Auxiliary and President in 1977, chaired Crossett Food Bank Arts and Crafts Festival, Food Bank Secretary from 1998-2003, Ladies at Work President 1991-1993, Crossett Book Club President 2000-2001, Monticello District United Methodist Women President 1999-2002, Arkansas Area School of Christian Mission Assistant Dean 2002 and Dean 2003, Secretary Salvation Army Board, Member of a Birthday Club since 1968, Member of the Wednesday Coffee Group and formed the Prayer Shawl Ministries.

Survivors include a daughter, Candace Ann Jeffress and husband, Jimmy; a son, Mark Chapman DeLess and wife, Sharon; a brother, Raymond Charles Hoyt, Jr. and wife, Sandy; a sister-in-law, Shirley DeLess; grandchildren, Jennifer Leslie Knod Mattgard and husband, Lars, Mandy Michelle Lee and husband, Philip, Heather Ray Nicole DeLess, Bo Howard and wife, Lisa, Melody Johnson and husband, Stephen, Whitney Hunter, Summer Robertson and husband, Zach  and great-grandchildren, Peyton Chapman Kyle, MacKenzie Johnson, Macie Johnson, Mallorie Johnson, Brady Cole Freeman, Channing DeLess, Charley DeLess, Ryder Aaron Robertson, Rylan James Robertson, Corbin Lane Hunter, Lauren Elizabeth Hunter and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2016 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Russell Moore officiating.  Interment will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, AR.  (www.jonesservice.com)

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church on Friday.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 500 Main, Crossett, AR  71635.