Betty Strickland

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Betty Marie Strickland, age 85, of Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Joplin Gardens. 

She was born in the home of her grandmother, Ida Fraipont, on July 21, 1932 in Wichita, Kansas, to Fred Just and LaVerna (Fraipont) Just. She attended school in Wichita, graduating from North High School in 1950. Betty worked as a telephone operator in the 1950s, at the Wichita courthouse in the 1960s, for several hotel chains in several cities over the next 25 years, and briefly in the office of her church, Peace Lutheran; and the office of American Snack Products, both in Joplin. She was an avid crafter and loved to quilt. She was always very involved in the activities and caregiving of her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Betty married William Weigant on April 13, 1950; he preceded her in death on December 21, 1977. She married J.T. Strickland on January 16, 1983; he preceded her in death on July 8, 2011. 

 She is survived by her daughter, Chrys Corcoran and husband John of Joplin; her brother, Lynn Just of Wichita; five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren: Robby Corcoran and wife Jessica, of Tulsa Oklahoma, and their sons Isaac, Michael, Max, Alex, and Gus; Shannon and husband Denico Demry, of Jenks, Oklahoma, and her daughters Jaden and Jarah; Lindsey and husband Aaron Hayes, of Joplin, and their children Iyla and Ian; Nicole Corcoran of Pittsburg, Kansas and her children, Kylan and Anna; Caitlin Corcoran, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

 The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, in Joplin, at 6:30, following the 5:15 PM mass; Father J. Friedel officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.