Obituary

Betty Jean Carroll was granted her sweet reward on November 15th with her precious granddaughter, Marie right by her side. Betty’s final days were spent surrounded by the warmth and care of her loving family along with the gentle presence of her very attentive healthcare team. Betty’s strong will to live and her unwavering sense of devotion for her family carried her through with uncommon grace.

Betty was born at home on January 3rd, 1934 in Raytown, Missouri to Coy Sr. and Mary Butner. The oldest of four siblings, that reveled in each other’s company. With a real zest for life, Betty loved to facilitate and join in fun-filled family gatherings. Betty’s love was constant in sunshine and in shadow. No stranger to the trials and tribulations of life. Betty moved forward with a sense of humor, boundless energy and a strong sense of duty. Betty cared tirelessly for her beloved mother in her home for years. Betty believed intensely in the importance of family and carrying on her legacy of love. Indeed, she did-in all the fortunate lives she touched and formed with such magnanimity. Betty instilled in her family an appreciation of the outdoors and respect for all living beings.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband Robert Carroll, and daughter Rose Marie Meredith.

Betty is not only cherished and remembered fondly for her fierce devotion for family, but her many talents, passions and skills, such as delicious cooking and baking from scratch, gardening, playing cards and slot machines, camping and traveling… just to name a few. Betty possessed a sweet tooth, contagious smile, a heart of gold, a mind generated by thoughtful understanding, eyes that looked through affection, legs that would run to your side, arms wide open ready to wrap you up in her rare and inspiring warmth.

Betty’s measured decline and the pull of Alzheimer’s certainly diminished Betty’s capability to engage in that very same amazing way, head to toe. It is however, evident that Betty’s beautiful essence remained as luminous as ever and transcends all bounds still. Her kind and true love ways of living generously will live on by her excellent example, in all she leaves behind.

Betty is survived by her lovingly supportive siblings and their spouses; Barbara Shockey (Leroy), James Butner (Linda), Coy Butner Jr.(Glenda); Betty’s adored children and spouses, Debra Zellmer (Bill), David Carroll (Jo-Ann); Betty’s absolute pride and joy Grandchildren and Spouses, Amy Sheets (Claud), Marie Bodenhamer (Josh ), Robert Zellmer (Sam), Laura Demmer (Brian), Patrick Keene; and seven great grandchildren. Betty loved and adored in equal measure her wonderfully caring nieces, nephews, cousins, their children and their children’s children.

The family of Betty Jean Carroll is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in the countless heartfelt forms from too many people to name individually. You all continue to be such a valuable blessing. In love and in thanksgiving, we lift you in prayer and for the guidance to be able to pay your kindness forward. A special thank you to the angelic staff at Saint Mary’s Manor and Crossroads Hospice. We are deeply humbled and forever grateful for the exemplary care, compassion and dignity that you continuously brought to Betty and extended to us each and every visit.

A visitation for Betty will be 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Lee’s Summit Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Elves of Christmas Present, PO Box 3535 Olathe, KS. 66063, Crossroads Hospice, or the Alzheimer’s Association.