Betsy Klein

Elizabeth “Betsy” Klein passed away on April 7, 2018 at the KC Hospice House. She was born in Minneapolis, MN and as a young child her family moved to Kansas City, MO. She graduated from St Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City and then The University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS where she doubled majored in psychology and Human Development. An eager learner, Betsy received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur Ziporin, two sons Connor Ziporin and Collin Ziporin who live at home, her step-daughter Alexandra Ziporin of Leadville, Colorado, her four siblings Jack (Betsy) Klein, Terry (Susan) Klein, Kenny (Bea) Klein and Mary Beth (Tim) Dailey and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents John and Marilyn Klein preceded her in death.

Betsy had a zest for life and enjoyed running, traveling, music, and new adventures. She had a special love for animals and was a lifelong dog owner. Her dog Newton was trained as a therapy dog and he along with Einstein and her new puppy, Winston, round out the household pets. As a runner Betsy completed numerous marathons - Boston, LA, Pikes Peak and Greece to name a few. Until recently she could be seen running with her dogs on a daily basis.

It was important to Betsy to be grateful for all she had been given regardless of any challenges thrown her way and to give her children that sense of gratitude. She encouraged and modeled giving back and kindness. She also passed her love of travel to her children and they travelled often. Each trip was an adventure!

She was employed at New Directions currently serving as Vice President of EAP and Corporate Health. She started working at age 14 serving barbeque, later taught preschool, was recreational director for people with mental illness and then for people with developmental disabilities. She was then hired as the Executive Director for the Metropolitan Council for Developmental Disabilities. Following that she was employed at Concern where she utilized her clinical skills working in their Employee Assistance Program. They merged with Blue Cross and New Directions was created where she worked as a therapist, grew into sales and account manager and later a VP. Her early EAP work at New Directions was noticed by the Kansas City Chiefs and Marty Shottenheimer, the NFL and later the Denver Broncos under Mike Shanahan. As the first female working and traveling with NFL athletes she had many wonderful opportunities. She developed the Rookie Symposium for the NFL based on her work with the Chiefs. Her work with the Broncos as the Executive Director of Player and Organizational Development set a standard for the industry.

Betsy was dedicated to integrating behavioral health into the corporate environment and primary care and worked tirelessly to make a significant contribution to the field… and succeed she did! She was instrumental in developing and implementing New Directions integrated primary care behavioral health program.

Her family and dear friends wish to thank the staff at the University of Kansas Hospital and most especially to the nurses, staff and volunteers at the Kansas City Hospice on Wornall. The family has been surrounded with tremendous support by friends, neighbors and the St Michael the Archangel family for which they are most grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Betsy’s memory to either the KC Hospice House (kchospice.org/donate) or Wayside Waifs (waysidewaifs.org).