Betty Jo Russell

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Betty Joan (Betty Jo) Russell, 93, Joplin,Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024 at Joplin Gardens,Joplin,Missouri. Betty Jo was born on March 1, 1931, in Iola, Kansas to her parents, George Hoffmeier and Golda (Larson) Hoffmeier.

Betty Jo graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1954. After college she resided in Kansas City where she was an airline stewardess for TWA. While in Kansas City she met the love of her life William (Bill) Russell. They were united in marriage on March 4, 1956, in Iola,Kansas and shared 39 years together living in Joplin, Missouri before his death on March 15, 1993. They had one daughter, Barbara (Russell) Amodeo she survives.

Betty Jo was an avid K-State fan where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She loved the rivalry she had with her niece Ann, a KU graduate. At Joplin Gardens there wasn’t a staff member that didn’t know how much she loved those K-State Wildcats. She was a homemaker and a substitute teacher for home economics in the Joplin School District along with being a 62 year member of P.E.O chapter GA. She was also a member of a special birthday group of ladies where lots of laughs were had thru their monthly celebratory luncheons. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, who called her Meme, and served as their dedicated babysitter when they were little. Her eyes lit up anytime she talked about her family as Barbi and the kids were her pride and joy. In her later years, she became close to her son in law, Charlie, as he was her dedicated driver to many appointments and social events once she was unable to drive.

Betty Jo is survived by her daughter; Barbara (Charlie) Amodeo of Joplin, two grandchildren; Amanda Amodeo, William Amodeo, a brother Lynn (Deanna) Hoffmeier of Lawrence, KS, a niece Ann Hoffmeier and nephew Brad Hoffmeier.

A special thanks to Joplin Gardens and Gentiva Hospice for all the love and care they gave her and us, especially Sandy. They made sure her last days were pain free.

In lieu of flowers, Betty Jo requested that donations be made out to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a cause that was very special to her since her mother lived with MS for many years.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 6th and Pearl. Private family burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.



Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Midland Crematory.