(From Derfelt Funeral Home)Betty Marie Karnes, Age 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 20, 2025. She was born to Chuck and Maude VerSoy on October 31, 1944.
Betty graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1962 and soon after married the love of her life, Donald Wayne Karnes, from Picher, Oklahoma. She eventually finished her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern and her “Reading Specialist” Master’s Degree from Pittsburg State University. Education was very important to Betty and she taught 2nd grade for the Baxter Springs School District the majority of her 28-year career.
Although Betty loved to teach kids how to read, her passion was teaching them about Jesus. “The Pond” was her favorite place to do that! She would pray, read her Bible and FISH! At the pond, she taught numerous kids how to catch & clean fish, build a fire and enjoy nature. Betty had a heart for all kids, and especially disadvantaged kids. Her passion was not only to teach them about nature, but to also lead them to Jesus. Her grandchildren will forever remember days spent at the pond; swimming, fishing, cooking hot dogs and roasting marshmallows!
Betty was a member of First Baptist Church, Baxter Springs, for over 55 years, where throughout her adult life she was able to teach kids about Jesus teaching Sunday School and Team Kids! Her women’s Bible Study group was also incredibly important to her. She spoke often of things she learned and studied throughout the years with these ladies.
In recent years, Betty most enjoyed attending “Lunch Bunch” with her High School friends, spending time with PEO sisters and playing Canasta up at the Pizza Hut! Betty was very competitive, and Don always knew whether she won or lost, just by her attitude when she got home!!
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Maude VerSoy; her beloved sister, Beverly Smith; and an infant daughter, Katherine Marie Karnes.
Although Betty loved to teach kids how to read, her passion was teaching them about Jesus. “The Pond” was her favorite place to do that! She would pray, read her Bible and FISH! At the pond, she taught numerous kids how to catch & clean fish, build a fire and enjoy nature. Betty had a heart for all kids, and especially disadvantaged kids. Her passion was not only to teach them about nature, but to also lead them to Jesus. Her grandchildren will forever remember days spent at the pond; swimming, fishing, cooking hot dogs and roasting marshmallows!
Betty was a member of First Baptist Church, Baxter Springs, for over 55 years, where throughout her adult life she was able to teach kids about Jesus teaching Sunday School and Team Kids! Her women’s Bible Study group was also incredibly important to her. She spoke often of things she learned and studied throughout the years with these ladies.
In recent years, Betty most enjoyed attending “Lunch Bunch” with her High School friends, spending time with PEO sisters and playing Canasta up at the Pizza Hut! Betty was very competitive, and Don always knew whether she won or lost, just by her attitude when she got home!!
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Maude VerSoy; her beloved sister, Beverly Smith; and an infant daughter, Katherine Marie Karnes.
Betty is survived by her husband Don, of 62 years; a daughter, Brenda Locke (Tim) of Baxter Springs, KS; a son, Jeffrey Karnes (Tracy) of Liberty, MO; and four grandchildren: Abigail Joy Deiter (David) of Liberty, MO; Allison Marie Clendenin (Joel) of Springfield, MO; Carly Suzanne Locke of Joplin, MO and Simeon Charles Karnes of Liberty, MO
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Burial will follow in the Baxter Springs Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time on Tuesday. Pallbearers for the service are; Simeon Karnes, Daniel Street, Joel Clendenin, David Deiter, John Mallatt and Kyle Wade.
Flowers are always appreciated, but please also consider donations to the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, MO. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.
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