Elizabeth "Betty" L. Rummerfield

Elizabeth Lucille Bowman Rummerfield, of Overland Park, KS, known to most as Betty, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord on February 4, 2025. She was 90 years old. She lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and a touch of spunk that made her truly unforgettable.

Betty was born on October 2, 1934, in her grandmother’s home in Columbia, Missouri. From an early age, Betty was known for her quiet strength and sharp wit. Her mother, Laura, called her a “good, sweet girl” and her “palsy-walsy.” She was intelligent and responsible, excelling in school and playing the violin. Early in Betty’s childhood, her family moved to Pratt, KS. After surviving the dust storms, they moved to Kansas City, MO. She attended Ashland Elementary, where she experienced air raid drills during World War II, a memory that stayed with her. She graduated from East High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1952.

Betty met the love of her life, Harold Gene Rummerfield, at 29th and Askew Church of God (Holiness). Gene, recently arriving in Kansas City from Kirksville to work at Hallmark Cards, first noticed Betty in the choir. Their exchanged smiles soon turned into courtship, and they were married on July 16, 1954. Their love story spanned over 63 years and produced two beloved children, Dennis Wayne and Sharon Kay.

Betty worked at Sears and Roebuck while still in high school, staying on until Dennis was born in 1962. When her children were older, she worked as a bookkeeper at Kansas City College and Bible School for 17 years before transitioning to Herald and Banner Press as an accountant.

Betty found joy in life’s simple traditions. Her regular dishes at any gathering became known to her family as “The Usual.” This meant cinnamon apples and broccoli cheddar casserole. Her relatives always looked forward to her faithful birthday and holiday cards. She had a quiet way of showing love—never flashy, but always felt. Whether it was baking oatmeal bars for her kids' school fundraisers or cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, Betty’s devotion was steady and dependable. These small yet significant acts became the heartbeat of her family, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

When Gene asked her what she wanted to do after she retired, she replied, “Eat out every day except Sunday.” And so they did. Together, they built a life filled with small traditions, familiar faces at favorite restaurants, and long camping trips that turned into cherished family memories. They spent summers pulling a pop-up camper with their Pontiac GTO, later upgrading to a fifth wheel, visiting Pomme de Terre, Melvern, Pomona, and finally, Treasure Lake in Branson. They loved cooking hobos over the campfire, playing mini golf and taking in the Branson sights and shows.

Betty adored her grandchildren. Whether crafting Shrinky Dinks and Model Magic, spoiling them with their favorite snacks, or treating them to a day at Chuck E. Cheese’s, she had a way of making each one feel special. She also loved game shows and could outguess just about anyone when watching "Wheel of Fortune.” Her humor was quick, her wisdom was practical, and her love was unwavering.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong member of the Church of God (Holiness), attending 29th and Askew, Swope Park, Gregory Hills, and most recently, New Journey at Gregory Hills. Betty dedicated herself to children’s ministry, directing Christmas programs and faithfully attending.

Betty leaves behind a family deeply grateful for her love and example: her son, Dennis (Stephanie), and their children Kenny (Kristen), Ryan (Hayley), her great-granddaughter Jolynne, Kelly (Eric), and Rachel (Malik); her daughter, Sharon (Jerry), and their children Katie (Sam), Kevin (Charity), Brittany (Zach), and Makayla (Seth).

Preceding Betty in death are her husband Gene, her parents Harold T. and Laura Bowman, her siblings, Mary Lou, Bud, and Ronnie, and her granddaughter Brianna.

Her life was steady, faithful, and full of love—a testament to the quiet strength of a woman who found joy in the simple and the sacred. She will be deeply missed.

“Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.”

A visitation for Betty will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Gregory Hills Church of God, 7020 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64133. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7020 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64133. A graveside will occur Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133.