Bette Jane Branson

Bette Jane Branson (Welch), 91, passed away July 29, 2026, at Gasconade Manor, where she deeply appreciated the staff and the exceptional care she received.

Bette was born on November 10, 1934, to the late James Marion Welch and Reba Mae Welch (Lindner). She graduated from Bland High School and spent her life devoted to her family, friends, church, and community.

On June 28, 1952, she married the love of her life, Vance Branson, in Bland, Missouri. Together they built a home filled with warmth, hospitality, and love.  He preceded her in death on October 17, 2009.

She was a member of Fairground Road Church of Christ.

Bette had a passion for cooking and caring for others. She rarely let a visitor leave her home without offering food, a drink, or both. Her generous spirit became a family joke, with her sister-in-law often telling her, “I’m here to visit. I’m not thirsty or hungry. Just sit down and don’t ask again.”

 One of Bette’s greatest joys was spending time at her cabin on the Gasconade River. She loved floating the river, entertaining friends, and making lasting memories with those she loved. She was especially devoted to her grandchildren, Nikki and Gavin, providing them with abundant love, guidance, and the treasured experience of having a deeply involved grandmother.

Throughout her life, Bette was a dedicated worker. While still in school, she began working at her Aunt Guthrie Licklider’s General Store in Bland. She later worked at International Shoe in Belle, Town and Country Shoe in Sedalia, Montgomery Ward in Jefferson City as the assistant manager, and Missouri River Home Health and Hospice.

Bette is survived by her son, James Branson and his wife, Deann, of Bland, Missouri; her grandchildren, Nicole Pohlmann and her husband, Matthew, of Jefferson City; and Gavin Branson (Ryann Gander), of Jefferson City; her great-grandson, Vance Pohlmann of Jefferson City; her sister-in-law, Lucy Branson, of Vienna; and her nieces, Phylene Jakobsen and her husband, Nick, of Houston, Texas; and Renee Frostbutter and her husband, Stan, of Titusville, Florida.

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Vance Branson; her brothers, James Welch and his wife, Phyllis, and CSM William Welch and his wife, Loraine; her brothers-in-law, Victor Branson and Gilbert Branson and his wife, Mary; her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Davis and her husband, Andy, and Pauline Schirman and her husband, Bill; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 9-11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Minister Carey Terry officiating.

Burial and a graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Countryside Memorial Gardens in Owensville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ or the Lions Eye Bank.

Bette will be remembered for her generous heart, unwavering devotion to family, welcoming hospitality, and the love she shared so freely with all who knew her.

 Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.    trimblefunerals.com

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