Betty Lou Perry, 94, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away at her home on April 29, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Grace United Methodist Church (Oak Grove Campus). The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with subsequent burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church (Oak Grove Campus), the Oak Grove Cemetery Association, or Beacon of Hope Hospice in Blue Springs, MO.
Betty was born on May 12, 1927, in Kansas City, MO, to Charles W. & Ella Marie (Yowell) Titus. Soon after graduating from Paseo High School in 1945, she married Wayne Perry, whom she met through her friend/his cousin, Jo Rae. Early in their marriage, they opened the Wayne Perry Insurance Agency in Oak Grove, which remained in business until 2011. During that 55-year timespan, Betty worked as an Insurance Agent, as well as a Bookkeeper and Tax Preparer. She loved working with numbers and believed such tasks would keep her mind sharp until she died; we’re happy to report that she was 100% correct!
Betty was proud of her community and was affiliated with several organizations, such as the Eastern Star; Board Member of the Sni Valley Fire Protection District; and President of the Oak Grove Cemetery Association. She was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, as well as its “Willing Workers Circle” to promote fellowship and faith. In her later years, she enjoyed the activities and lunches offered at the Davis Memorial Senior Center. Betty’s talents and hobbies included making ceramics, crocheting, knitting, playing card games, trying new recipes, reading, watching KC Chiefs games, and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks. In 1980, as her husband’s health was quickly declining, Betty fulfilled his lifelong wish to explore the entire U.S. Eastern Coast. After renting an RV, and with Betty driving, the two of them went on a three-month journey, visiting cities on the general route of Oak Grove – Nova Scotia – Key West – Oak Grove. After his death, Betty and her sister enjoyed numerous cruises and international trips; one adventure she shared involved the theft of her passport while touring Beijing, China!
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Wayne (1981); son Richard “Rick”; and her three siblings: Charles Titus, William Titus, and Virginia Titus. She is survived by her son, Daryl Perry (Anne) of Shawnee, KS; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Perry of Oak Grove; three grandchildren: Clifton Perry (Heather) of Bates City, Jacob Perry, and Alyssa Perry, both of Shawnee; two great-grandchildren: Phoebe Perry, and Phoenix Perry, both of Bates City; sisters-in-law: Lynda Owings of KCMO, and Dixie Titus of Dallas, OR; several extended family members; and many dear friends.
The family is grateful for the excellent care and friendship provided to Betty by Pastor Tracy Carpenter, and the Beacon of Hope Hospice care providers. Although we regret not getting to celebrate Betty’s upcoming 95th birthday with her friends, it’s comforting to know that she is pain-free and reunited in heaven with her beloved husband and son, Rick.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Mary Hodges
6 May 2022This is from Mary Hodges, assisting Lynda Owings who sends her fond memories of Aunt Betty to the family.