(From Parker Mortuary)Betty Reed, 94, passed away February 17, 2023, at Westgate of Wildwood Ranch after a long illness.
Betty Lou Kiper Reed was born October 1, 1928 in Joplin, MO. to the parents of John and Ruth Kiper.
She was a lifelong Joplin resident.
Betty attended school in Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School in 1946. Throughout the years, Betty kept in touch with her high school friends and served on the reunion committees. They celebrated their 55th reunion in 2011.
Betty met her husband, Jesse Reed, of Neosho, MO. Soon after her high school graduation. They were married in Joplin, MO. in August of 1947. Betty said Jesse was the love of her life and they spent over 64 years in a marriage full of love, laughter and happiness until his death in April 2011.
Betty began her working career at the City of Joplin in the Finance Department. After spending 20 years working both part and full time, she left her job for a position at Financial Federal Savings and Loan. Betty worked her way up to a Vice President position in charge of IRAs. She retired in 1987.
Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Joplin. She was involved with their Vacation Bible School. Both she and Jesse worked with the youth group programs and taught 9th grade Sunday School.
Betty was a wonderful cook and was especially known for her candy making. She was featured several times in the Joplin Globe sharing her recipes. Betty was a member of Twin Hills Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf and cards with the ladies group. She was also a member of Soroptimist, P.E.O. Sisterhood, and Joplin Women’s Club.
Betty’s real passion was bridge. She and Jesse belonged to a couple’s “friendly” bridge club where they would play party bridge with close friends, but it was contract bridge that Betty was serious about. She would travel locally, even nationally, to play tournament bridge. She won enough points at tournaments to earn her National Life Master status in Contract Bridge.
Betty began her working career at the City of Joplin in the Finance Department. After spending 20 years working both part and full time, she left her job for a position at Financial Federal Savings and Loan. Betty worked her way up to a Vice President position in charge of IRAs. She retired in 1987.
Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Joplin. She was involved with their Vacation Bible School. Both she and Jesse worked with the youth group programs and taught 9th grade Sunday School.
Betty was a wonderful cook and was especially known for her candy making. She was featured several times in the Joplin Globe sharing her recipes. Betty was a member of Twin Hills Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf and cards with the ladies group. She was also a member of Soroptimist, P.E.O. Sisterhood, and Joplin Women’s Club.
Betty’s real passion was bridge. She and Jesse belonged to a couple’s “friendly” bridge club where they would play party bridge with close friends, but it was contract bridge that Betty was serious about. She would travel locally, even nationally, to play tournament bridge. She won enough points at tournaments to earn her National Life Master status in Contract Bridge.
Besides her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Gwynn Douglas.
Survivors include her daughters, Kathryn Simpson (Richard) or Miami, OK. and Sally Stephan (Douglas) of Olathe, KS; son-in-law, Stan Douglas; three grandchildren, Matthew Stephan (Jackie) of Bartlesville, OK, John Stephan (Sanne) of Winter Garden, FL., and Zachary Simpson of Miami, OK.; four great – grandchildren, Luke Simpson, Hattie Jo Simpson, Scotty Stephan and Schuyler Stephan.
Betty says “It’s important to enjoy life, the blessings you have been given, and to be kind to others.”
Betty requested a private family graveside service.
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