Betty Jean Merrill

Betty was born in Slater, Missouri on June 6th, 1925 to Pearl Ericka Meyer Funk and John J. Funk. She moved to Kansas City and graduated from Westport High School and later attended the University of Kansas City where she joined the Chi Omega Sorority. She married Donald Eugene Merrill of Kansas City on October 23, 1948.

A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betty devoted her life to her family. She worked as Treasurer of the Kansas City Ballet Board and a member of their guild for many years. She was a lifelong member of Country Club Christian Church, where she served as an Elder, Deacon, and participant in the Tri C’s Class.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and her daughter Dona Christi Merrill Insco. Betty is survived by her children, Robert Scott Merrill and his wife Nancy, Robin Leigh Merrill Smith and her husband Mark, and Lisa Merrill Schubert Hickok; and grandchildren Megan Leigh Insco and her husband Ben Karlin, Matthew Insco, Stephanie Smith, Kyle Smith and his wife Amanda, Brittany Merrill, Dean Merrill, Ross Merrill, and Ericka Schubert; as well as great-grandsons Parker Smith and Ezra Karlin.

A memorial service will take place in the George Hamilton Combs Chapel at Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, December 7th, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends in the church parlor immediately following the service. A private family burial will precede the service at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Country Club Christian Church or to the Kansas City Ballet. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.