Betty J. Barnes, adoringly called “Nana”,  72, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away amongst loved ones on the evening of March 5, 2023. 

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023

Grace Church-Independence Campus

3601 S Sterling, Independence, MO 64052

A light luncheon will be provided by the family

Betty was born July 26, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri to Ernest L. Suttles and Laura  R. Suttles.  In her youth, Betty was involved with Campfire Girls and Job’s Daughters.  

Betty graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in 1968.  She recently reconnected with high school friends and enjoyed catching up on the last 50 years.  She attended K-State for a short period of time, prior to transferring to Pittsburg State University, earning a degree in accounting.  

She went on to work at ITCO, Inc., a farm & home supply, where she was an accountant. The best part of her time at ITCO was meeting her future husband, George, who was a Vice-President  for the company. They were married on December 13, 1975, and were blessed with twins, Geoffrey Allan, and Stacey Marie, in 1978.

With the birth of twins, Betty became a homemaker and spent her years at home raising Geoffrey and Stacey.  She loved all activities in which her children participated and spent an abundance of time on the bleachers cheering them on.  

In 2008, Betty became a Grandma and took on the role of “Nana”. Her grandchildren were a delight to her, and were a special blessing to Betty.  She loved going to music programs, dance recitals, games and school activities with them.  Betty especially enjoyed spending lazy days at the lake with them.  

Betty was an avid Jayhawks fan, and planned her days around KU basketball games. She was also a Nascar fan, and spent many Sundays watching races with George and son, Geoffrey.  On weekends she would attend car shows to socialize with friends.  Betty was also a hockey fan and attended Blades games with her family during the 90s.   

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, George, her father, mother, infant sister and many aunts and uncles.  Betty is survived by her, son Geoffrey “Geoff” Barnes, daughter Stacey (Tom) Kochis, brother-in-law, John (Cheryl) Barnes, sister-in-law Merilee (Jim) Thoenen, four grandchildren, Cameron, Kylie, Chloe and Lakin Kochis, many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  Betty also had many special friends that she loved dearly.