Betty Jo Mais

Betty Jo Mais passed away peacefully at home on December 16, 2023 at the age of 89. Betty was born August 16, 1934 in Independence, MO to Dorothy and Leroy Julian. She attended St Mary’s school where she graduated, and soon after met the love of her life, Raymond. They were married August 15th, 1954, and soon were whisked away by the US Marines to North Carolina. During Ray’s time in the service, they welcomed three boys (Eric, Brian, and Curtis) to the Mais clan, and returned home to Raytown, MO to raise their family. In 1973 Betty decided she would like to pursue further education, and completed classes in software and computer programming. Soon after, she became vice president of DLT, one of the first female owned companies in Kansas City, where she spent many years creating software, and managing the company with her friend and coworker Shirley. However, in 1999 Betty decided it was time to set her corporate life aside, and retired after a long career with DLT. In her retirement, Betty enjoyed spending her days out and about with her best friend and sister in law, Kathy. She also cared for her Granddaughter, Cassy several days a week. Betty spent a great deal of her time at the baseball field, where she cheered for Ray’s teams, and traveled the country watching him play AAA ball. Much time was spent with family, and traveling to see her sons, Eric in Hawaii, and Brian at Table Rock Lake. In between baseball fields and family life, Betty also volunteered her time at Sunshine Center, a school for children with special needs, where she cared for young children for almost 15 years. After leaving Sunshine, she continued her volunteer work at the Raytown Schools early development center for children with special needs for the next few years. After losing her rock, Ray, Betty moved into Elliott Place in Raytown, where she would spend the next 5 years of her life with her new friends, playing cards, dominoes, bingo, and attending weekly Friday get togethers where many laughs and memories were shared. Betty is preceded in death by her husband Ray, parents Dorothy and Leroy, and brother Jay. She is survived by her sons Eric (Erica), Brian (Diane), and Curtis (Kelly), granddaughters. Cassy (James) and Haruna, and great grandson Mason, as well as her furry friend, Cocoa. Betty Jo was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and her memories and love will never fade. Graveside service will be held at Floral Hills on January 6th at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception with light lunch and refreshments at Elliott Place 7420 Maple Dr. Building #2. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Betty’s name to Kansas City Pet Project.