Betty Lou Shell

Betty Lou Shell, age 80 passed away peacefully at home on February, 28, 2026 with loving family by her side. She was born in Trenton, Missouri on October 5, 1945 to Clyde Robert Boltz and Louise Boltz. Her early years were spent in Trenton enjoying life and making friends. During this time she, her sister, and four cousins created a club in the cellar that was named Brolra, 2 letters from each of their last names. This club eventually turned into a lifelong sisterhood between the members (Zana Boltz, Donna Eames, Karen Robertson, Carolyn Craig and Linda Lev) and started the triennial Brolra family reunion that was one of the joys of her life as well as the family, kids, grandkids and spouses of the clubs illustrious members who attend.

She moved to Kansas City in 1959 and attended high school at Ruskin High. She played the flute in the marching band. She graduated in 1963. After high school, Betty set her sights on becoming a teacher. Upon graduation, she attended Central Missouri State College, now UCM, and received her degree in Education, Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1967. She made many special friends as a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. After college she was the Physical Education teacher at Westridge Elementary from 1967-1968. After a period of time staying home to be a mother to her children she went back to work. She was the Library Media Specialist for the Raytown C-2 school district for 22 years. While working full time and remaining active with family, friends and all the other things she was passionate about she went back to school. She received her Masters in Library Science and Information Services in 1990 and her Educational Specialist in Administration in 2000. She spent time as a Children’s Literature Adjunct Professor at Avila college as well as 2 years as the Library Media Specialist for University Academy Charter school part time towards the end of her career.

Outside of work, Betty loved staying active. First and foremost she made sure her kids were involved in all things (dance, sports, camps, band, church, travel) which is a lot in and of itself. She also found time to be a CampFire Leader, Sunday School teacher and Youth Leader at Blue Ridge United Methodist Church. She loved the church and has so many life long friends from Blue Ridge United Methodist. She later attended Church of the Resurrection with her husband Larry and they loved it there as well. She was a ReDiscover Auxiliary member and officer. She was a member of 2 P.E.O groups, the GT Chapter in Emporia, KS and the KH Chapter in Raytown, MO. She loved her Blue Stockings Book Club, and made dear friends in her Bridge Group. She took up ballroom dancing, Zumba, and enjoyed exercising at the Raytown YMCA. She also had a group of Catalog Girls she was involved with and was a member in the Raytown and Missouri Retired Teachers Associations. Betty loved her people and getting involved!

Betty is survived by her husband Larry Shell (married in 2008). Her children Wendy (Woody) Woodward and Eric (Mindy) Sproul. Her grandchildren Addison Woodward, Felicity French, Jaden French, and Jackson Sproul. Her sister Zana Allen. Her brother Mike (Debbie) Boltz. And her nieces and nephews, Nancy Allen, Jim (Micha) Allen, Teresa (Travis) Hunt, Matt Boltz and great niece Evie Hunt. As well as Larry’s children, grandchildren and family members who she quickly came to love.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Robert and Louise Boltz as well as her beloved granddaughter Josie Lynn Woodward. We know without a doubt they are dancing together in Heaven.

Betty’s Funeral will take place at 2 pm 3/19/26 at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. Memorial Donations can be made in Betty’s Memory to P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. The P.E.O. provides grants to women in the US and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families.

Mail Donations to P.E.O International Executive Office 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312. Or at the following website. https://www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift/