Betsy Roudebush

Betsy Boone Ward Roudebush died on May 7, 2024, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi after an illness.

Betsy was born on June 9, 1947, in Jackson, Tennessee to Otis Harvey Ward and Billie Boone Ward. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1965, she received a B.A. from Lambuth University. She obtained her Masters and EdD from Mississippi State University. She worked as Supervisor of Education for the University of Southern Mississippi until her retirement. She and her husband Lee spent those retirement years building and living in a log cabin in the remote section of Alaska, traveling to various parts of the U.S. in their RV, embarking on cruises to various parts of the world, flying to Rome, Germany, etc., before settling in Ocean Springs again. Betsy was a joyful, generous teacher, friend, wife, aunt and stepmother and will be missed.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents; and by her spouse, Elvon Lee Roudebush. She is survived by her sister, Beatrice Ellen Ward Arnold (Van) and their children, Valerie Patterson (Sean), Van Arnold III, Vanessa Widiker (Jordan); and great nephew, Malachi Widiker. She is also survived by Lee’s children, Keri Basler, Kevin Roudebush (Jessica) and Kelly Roudebush; his grandchildren, CJ Nielsen, Kaci Pickett, Joplin, Levi Basler and Colton & Payton Roudebush; and by his great grandchildren, Livianna, Lenora and Luke. She leaves two friends throughout life, Carol Towater Lanning and Walter Cheng.

There will be a Celebration of Life later this year.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Betsy Roudebush.