Betty Jo Dull

Betty Jo Dull was born in Wapanucka, Oklahoma on March 23, 1935. Her parents were sharecroppers. She was the youngest of 5. Her family left Oklahoma and moved to Kansas City before she was 5. Her two older brothers fought in WWII. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and went to Argentine High School. She played Basketball (half court at that time for women), was a cheerleader and loved her friends. After High School, she stayed in Kansas City and went to work for Lederle Labs.

She met Ronald Gail Dull after High School through one of her girlfriends, who decided to go on a date with him. Mom would not have anything to do with that. Dad had to chase her around town to build back her trust, and finally she went out on a date with him. Three years later, they were married on May 17, 1958 at Argentine Baptist Church.

Their marriage started out in Lincoln, NE where Dad was in the Air Force. After Dad left the service, they came back to Kansas City where family lived. They rented an apartment just off the Plaza. A good friend of theirs, Frank McClure, lived with them in their apartment before he married Carol. Mom, Dad, and the McClures remained lifelong friends, having their four children just one year apart. They moved to a house in Prairie Village where Barry, their first child, was born December 18, 1960 and two years later, in 1962, Leigh Ann followed. One of Mom’s greatest joys was being a MOM.

In 1967, they bought their home in Overland Park, Kansas, in Pinehurst, and raised their family. The family were active members at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Mom developed great friends in the neighborhood and through the years, she worked at Emmanuel Baptist Church as secretary to one of the Pastors and at a good friend’s Florist Shop. Mom was so very involved in her kids’ lives as a leader of Leigh Ann’s Camp Fire Girls, and Barry’s Cub Scouts, as a Den Mother, and a Block Mother. Block Mothers looked after the safety of the kids in the neighborhood.

She loved hospitality, welcoming all the neighborhood kids as well as family, friends, Dad’s business co-workers, and wives. Mom and Dad were members of Brookridge Country Club. Betty and Gail played golf for years in couples leagues, and Mom in women’s leagues. Lifelong friends were made.

Once Barry and Leigh Ann were older, Mom and Dad started to attend Colonial Presbyterian Church, where their spiritual growth continued. Mom was part of Bible Study Fellowship for over 8 years and became very involved in Colonial and their Sunday School Class, Primetimers.

Mom and Dad loved traveling and went all over the world. One place they loved going to in the winter was a timeshare they had in Hawaii. They traveled to Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico, and more. One great trip the family took together was an Alaskan Cruise, celebrating Mom and Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary.

After 37 years in their home, they moved to Hot Springs Village, AR. They lived on a golf course and played lots of golf. They went to Balboa Baptist Church. Mom was involved in Women’s groups, Bible Studies, & many other activities. After 14 years in Hot Springs, Mom and Dad moved to Dallas, TX, living in a house that Barry built for them, across the street from him.

Dallas is where they both spent the final years of their lives. Mom was in the house for six years, having lost Dad in January of 2021. Barry was the main caregiver and Leigh Ann spent about 50% of each year in Dallas. We were blessed with three women who helped care for them over the 6 years. They became family. We had many great memories in the Dallas house. In 2023, our last Thanksgiving, birthdays, Christmas, and New Year’s were spent together. The last month of Mom’s life, we noticed she was slowing down. On Friday, March 1, Mom entered the hospital; on Wednesday, March 6, she left this earth so peacefully, entering the presence of our mighty God and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a Holy Moment where God’s presence was so evident. She went from hearing the voice of her children to the presence of God. We are sure Dad was there as well near the gate, but for sure sitting on a bench waiting for her to join him.

She was so deeply loved, but honestly, she loved so much more than we as kids could ever have matched. We were so blessed, and though we will miss her greatly, we are grateful for all the great gifts God gave us in our Mom.

If one wants to send flowers, please have them delivered to Colonial Presbyterian Church, Friday April 19, 2024 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.