Betty Gilkey

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Betty Jo Gilkey, age 97, of Lamar, Missouri passed away November 21, 2022.

Betty was born November 11, 1925 in Milford, Missouri to John Aldon Medlin and Lola Mae (Gardner) Medlin. Betty graduated from Sheldon High School and attended Southwest Missouri State Teacher's College in Springfield, Missouri, and obtained her teaching certificate. 

On June 18, 1942, Betty married Gerald William Gilkey in Webb City, Missouri.

Betty dedicated her life to being a homemaker, wife and mother. During WWII, Betty worked at a plane factory in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a member of The Lamar Christian Church and taught Sunday school for 43 years. Betty was a member of PEO, the Rotary Anns, Eastern Star and was the first female board member of the Lamar Country Club. She was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing bridge and loved to travel with Gerald. 

Betty along with Gerald loved surprising Steve, Nancy, John, Courtney and Katie at Christmas time with numerous vacations throughout the years which always included a fun packed itinerary with entertainment and educational tours at every destination. 

Gerald and Betty's final vacation included not only their son and daughter-in-law but also their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This was an accomplishment that both Gerald and Betty were fortunate to achieve. Betty loved her family, Church and the City of Lamar.

Survivors include her son Steve (Nancy) Gilkey; three grandchildren, John (Abby) Gilkey, Courtney (Jeff) Gardner and Katie Gilkey (Larry Seward); seven great-grandchildren, Jordin (Jordan) Mahsman, Emily (John) Dimond, Hannah Jeffries, Jack Gilkey, William Jeffries, Hattie (Jack) Widhalm and Carter Young; one great-great grandchild, Rowan Dimond.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Gerald; her parents; two sisters, Opal Polston and Wilma "Shorty" Lincoln; and two brothers, Jewell Medlin and Gerald Medlin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at The Lamar Christian Church with burial to follow at Lake Cemetery in Lamar, MO.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m., Tuesday until service time at The Lamar Christian Church.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to The Lamar Christian Church Building Fund or the Barton County Senior Citizens Center in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com