Betty Worley

Born on January 24, 1930, in Rockville, Missouri, Betty was the eldest of five siblings. From a young age, she was a natural caretaker, always nurturing those around her with warmth and kindness.

On August 18, 1966, Betty married Robert O. Worley. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and devotion. Betty was a dedicated mother to her only son, Steven L. Petifurd, born on October 2, 1955. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into every moment spent with them. She was a proud grandmother to Tammy, Steven, Derek, Christopher, Aaron, and Sara, and delighted in her great-grandsons Dalton and Zachary. The recent arrival of Monte in September brought her even more happiness, and her love for her family knew no bounds.

Betty enjoyed a fulfilling career of more than 30 years at McPike/FoxMeyer, where she worked for many years before retiring. Her colleagues remember her as hardworking and dependable, always bringing a positive spirit to the workplace.

Outside of work, Betty was passionate about photography, never missing an opportunity to capture life’s special moments. Whether attending local country shows with friends or camping with family, she was always behind the camera, preserving memories for generations. Betty’s love of travel took her to places like Graceland, Hawaii, and Switzerland, and she cherished every adventure. Her deep appreciation for music, especially her admiration for Elvis Presley, was well known. For years, she was recognized by only driving her signature Chevy Corvettes.

Betty’s zest for life, her generosity, and her ability to find beauty in simple moments touched everyone she met. Her legacy lives on through the countless photographs she took and the lasting impact she had on her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene (Dale) and Orval Rector; her siblings, Viola Harper, Kenneth “Buck” Rector, Orvala Rector, and Norma Jean Rector; and her beloved grandsons, Steven R. Petifurd and Aaron R. Olsen.

Betty leaves behind her loving husband, Robert O. Worley; her son, Steven L. Petifurd (Diane); her cherished grandchildren: Tammy L. Hamilton (Shawn), Derek L. Petifurd, Christopher J. Olsen (Hannah), and Sara Y. Petifurd; and her great-grandchildren: Dalton Welch, Zachary Hamilton, and Montgomery Shaner Olsen.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held October 9, 2025 at 2 PM at White Chapel Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens (6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119), where friends and family will gather to honor her enduring legacy and share treasured memories. A visitation will precede services beginning at 1 PM.

Pallbearers will be Nick Lanning, Dalton Welch, Zachary Hamilton, Shawn Hamilton, Russell Watkins, and Terry Watkins.