Betty L. Myers

Betty Lou Myers; born on December 17, 1925, passed peacefully on December 2, 2020; just a few weeks before her 95th birthday. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sister, husband Howard Myers, and partner later in life, George Boyd. She is survived by her daughters, Jeannie (Bill) Kreighbaum, Sheila (Wayne) Jackson, her granddaughters Angie (Roger) Twitchel, Holly (Dave) Logan, Lorie (Dave) Fickess, Tammy (Wade) Willson, Christy (Matt) Moulder, ten great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

From the day she was born until the day she passed, Betty's life was dedicated to serving others. As a young girl, Betty was raised helping her mother; Crystal, in a variety of successful entrepreneurial roles. Their family owned and operated a boarding house in the 40's where Betty helped prepare meals, do laundry, and create a homey atmosphere for the tenants with card games in the evenings. Later her mother owned a successful diner in Olathe where Betty frequented the kitchen and dining area serving coffee, pie, and warm meals to their satisfied patrons. During these years, Betty learned the value of true hospitality from her mother, something she carried through her entire life and passed down to five generations of children and grandchildren. When Betty was married and started a family of her own, she taught her girls; Jeannie and Sheila, countless skills to be capable and caring in their own lives. From making clothes to preparing meals from scratch, Betty was determined her girls would learn what they needed to be successful in life following tough war times, just as her mother had taught her.

When her children were grown with families of their own, Betty and Howard lived on a small farm at the Lake of the Ozarks. Howard tended to the crops, livestock, and chickens while Betty cared for her thriving produce garden. During this time, Betty entered an entrepreneurial venture of her own as one of three founders and co-owners of G2M Grocers in Laurie, Missouri. Under Betty's leadership and together with her peers, G2M grew from a small business to one of the most well-known grocers in the Ozarks region. Managing the store was one of Betty's life passions. She could often be found there from dawn until dusk, buzzing around the store and tending to the plants in its extensive greenhouse. Although it was apparent to everyone Betty was a big part of what made the store so successful, she remained ever-humble and always called it a "job." The farm hosted frequent house guests, including Betty and Howard's friends in the community, and her kids and grandkids who loved to visit and take a break from their busy lives; although they rarely rested for long, as they were quickly put to work on the bustling farm. Betty's philosophy was there's always room for one more at the table, and nobody ever went hungry in her presence.

Following Howard's passing, Betty retired from the store and moved back to the Kansas City area to be near family. Determined to continue contributing, Betty began cleaning homes and caring for her great-grandchildren in her spare time. Betty remained a support system for her loved ones long after retirement, as 'Nana' was always but a call away. During this time, she reconnected with her long-time friend, George Boyd, who became her partner. They spent their Golden Years together as constant companions, and Betty enjoyed supporting George as the caretaker at his local cemetery. Betty thrived by George's side and cared for him until his passing in 2011.

It is impossible to summarize Betty's endless contributions to the many communities she served that spanned nearly a century. Her unwavering hospitality is like a golden thread woven throughout the beautiful tapestry of her life. She influenced five generations of family to live life to the fullest and always, no matter what, care for others. The world will miss Nana's vibrant energy and giving heart, but as long as we uphold her values and continue setting the table for one more, her memory will remain with us long after her passing. Rest in peace, Betty. We love you!

A special thanks goes to Westbrook Care Center; specifically to nurses Dana, Peggy, A.J, and Nicole, for the wonderful kindness they extended to Betty during their time with her. To Lisa and all of the on-call nurses at Amedysis Home Health Care Services, thank you for everything; we could never have made this journey without you.

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