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Betty Jo Burgess
Feb 26, 1922 - May 17, 2020

Betty Jo Burgess, 98, of Kansas City, MO, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at the home. She was born in Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS to Elmer McClanahan and Fern Ruth Reno McClanahan. She lived her early childhood in Lecompton, KS. Betty and her mother moved to St. Joseph, MO after the death of her father to be near other family. She attended Central High School and after graduation attended Gard Business School. Betty met her future husband, Orville Burgess, in high school and they married after he graduated St. Joseph Junior College, now Missouri Western. The marriage was conducted by Betty’s Grandfather, a Methodist Circuit Rider. In St. Joseph they attended Huffman Memorial Methodist and raised two sons, John (Laurie) and Bob (Rex).

After moving to Gladstone they attended North Cross Methodist Church.

Preceding Betty in death was her husband of 62 years, Orville. There are six grandchildren: Amy Schmidt (Paul), Matthew Burgess (Kari), Jeffrey Burgess (Rebecca), Melanie Wight (Joshua), Katie Whorton (Jeremy), and Betsy Rieken (Josh). There are ten great-grandchildren: Jenna, Cassie, Allyson, Hailey, Savannah, Baya, Brooke, Aaron, Tristan, and Addison.

Betty resided in Wexford Place Assisted Living for the last six years leaving behind many friends there.  We wish to thank the staff there for their loving care.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date. Donations may be sent to North Cross Methodist Church, Kansas City, MO.
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Jenny Weaver Tudor May 24, 2020

Friends ,SAINT JOSEPH ,Missouri

I have many fond memories of Orville & Betty Jo attending Guy Harden class parties on Whistle Creek Farm/the Weaver farm. And more recently visiting with Betty Jo after we would take dad/ "Puddin" to eye doctor appointments in NKC. She was a very lovely and gracious lady and it was nice to still have a connection to mom (Harriett). We always enjoyed having Betty Jo share stories of the "6 Couples" from Huffman church and what fun they all had together. She will be missed. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers for her passing. We know that those who went before her, welcomed her with a BIG party! Please let us know about her celebration of life at a later date. Jenny Weaver Tudor and family

Linda Bugess May 26, 2020

ex daughter-in-law ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Betty Joe was a fun and wonderful, gracious lady. She was a loving grandmother to my girls and to me; she and Orville were always there for support whenever it was needed. She was also strong in her faith, and I am happy that she is now with Orville and her parents and other loved ones. She always took care of others, now Jesus is taking care of her. Rest in peace Betty Jo.