Betty "Jean" Birley, 95, of Olathe, KS went to heaven on Friday, February 11, 2022. A celebration of her life will be held at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Burial will be Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville, Iowa.
Jean was born and raised in Centerville with her younger brother, Roger, and parents, Walter and Ersel (Adamson) White. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1945 and went on to graduate from Drake University with a teaching degree. She taught second grade for 10 years and enjoyed traveling to Europe before she married Stanley M. Birley in 1961. They moved to Bettendorf, Iowa before moving to New Jersey and then relocating to Olathe, Kansas over 30 years ago. Jean was a devoted wife and mother. She adored her two grandsons Seth and Caleb. She enjoyed being a homemaker and helping and caring for others. Her life was filled with love, faith, and hope. No matter the situation, she always had a positive perspective and an "everything is going to be okay" way. Her favorite things were to bake and share her homemade goodies and send cards to everyone, especially birthday greetings. She was a lifelong member of the Phi Mu Sorority and attended many Bible Studies over the years. Jean's smile and sweet spirit will be remembered by all who knew her and loved her.
Jean is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Stanley Birley; her son Garry of Olathe, KS; her daughter Mary (Steve) and two grandsons (Seth and Caleb) of Lake in the Hills, IL; her brother Roger (Kay) from Lincoln, NE her sister-in-law, Inge Birley, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and infant son, James.
To leave a message of condolence for Jean's family or to share a special memory of Jean, please visit the guestbook below.