Daughter of Cullen and Leona (Edwards) Burnett, Betty was born April 1, 1928. Betty grew up on a farm outside Kingston, Missouri. Betty and Robert, her husband of 44 years prior to his death in 1990, moved to Kansas City in 1956 where they raised their family. Betty was loved for her sweet disposition and sunny outlook that could not be hidden.
She is survived by her loving family: son the Rev. Terry N. Barnes (wife Beverly) of Kansas City, MO; daughter Janet E. Barnes Geary (husband William) of Kansas City, MO; and daughter Karen S. Barnes Linklater (husband Bruce) of Sapphire, NC. Six grandchildren adored Betty: Matthew W. Geary of Prairie Village, KS; Rachel E. Geary Pederson of Gladstone, MO; Devin L. Barnes of Kansas City, MO; and Robert B. Linklater of Charlotte, NC; Joshua K. Mulkey, of Kansas City, MO and Chris Linklater, of St. Paul, MN. Her great-grandchildren: Serenity L. Pederson, Connor M. Geary, Leah A. Geary, loved their “Meemaw” and their times together. Betty also extended her family to envelop great grandchildren Emersyn S. Linklater, Lachlan O. Linklater, Trinity Brizendene. Betty is also survived by many nieces and nephews who continued to make her part of their extended loving family.
Betty was a long-time member of the Hillside Christian Church in Kansas City, where she leaves many life-long friends. During her 63 years at Hillside, Betty served faithfully and was honored as Deaconess Emeritus in 2003. Her servant’s heart led her to help others in whatever capacity fit her life at the time whether that was teaching Sunday school, being a camp counselor, preparing meals, organizing bereavement dinners, making phone calls or donating to mission projects.
Her most recent years were happily spent at Linden Woods Village in Gladstone with her many new and caring friends among the other residents and staff members.
Those who desire to remember Betty with a gift may wish to consider the Hillside Christian Church or the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.
