Betty Jean Hale

July 30, 1928 – December 11, 2019

Betty J. Hale, age 91, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away December 11th at her home under the care of Village Hospice. Betty was born in Bentonville, AR to James (Jimmy) and Edith Hankins. She was married to Elmer Hale for 67 years and was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, 2 of her 3 brothers and her husband Elmer.

Growing up in rural Northwest Arkansas on a small subsistence farm during the Depression was not a glamorous life…but it helped Betty hone the skills of hard work and the art of “making something out of nothing.” From milking the cows, feeding the chickens to churning butter and wearing dresses made from flour sacks, everyone did their part…needing everything but wanting for nothing was their mantra!

After moving to Kansas City in the mid 1940’s, Betty went to work at Sears, Roebuck and Co where she met the love of her life, Elmer Hale. Married in 1951, and after a 2-year stint in Korea, they moved to Grandview, MO to raise their two boys. After graduating from Grandview Beauty School, Betty operated a hair salon in the basement of their home for several years. She ended her career working for the IRS Appeals Division in Omaha, NE after Elmer’s transfer with Sears.

Betty always looked out for everyone else…most often involving her own personal sacrifice.

Betty was an amazing caregiver. She cared for her mother Edith Clark who lived with Betty and Elmer for the last 20 years of her life. In the later years of Elmer’s life, Betty was the primary caregiver for him as well.

She was a remarkable Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Her family meant everything to her, and there was nothing she would not do for her family.

One of Betty’s gifts of love to this world was her cooking. Family gatherings were almost always at “Grandma’s House” and she would lay out a feast worthy of royalty.

Elmer and Betty were a team – in their marriage – in their service to the Church - the community – to their family. They both experienced life in the depression and it had a profound effect on them both. They lived very frugally and always lived well below their means. An incredible bargain-hunter, Betty would find deals on everything. Her coupon-clipping skills were unrivaled.

Betty was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ denomination, serving in various positions and in the ministerial role of Teacher…a devoted servant to all and a stranger to none!

Betty is survived by Sons: Mike (Debi) of Olathe, KS and Randy (Laurie) of Raymore, MO; 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; Brother, Harold Hankins of Independence, MO, and many other extended family members across the country.

Services will be held at the Lee’s Summit Community of Christ congregation, 1101 NE Independence Ave., Lee’s Summit, MO on Saturday, December 21st with visitation beginning at 1:00pm and memorial service at 2:00pm. Contributions may be made to the Lee’s Summit Community of Christ or Village Hospice.