Betty Jane Wilson

Betty Jane (Grubbs) Wilson, age 102, was called home to Heaven on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Betty was born November 14, 1921, on the Grubbs Family Farm east of Rothville, MO. She was the only surviving Child of James and Mary Esther (Mauzey) Grubbs. Betty’s Mother Esther died at the age of 25 when Betty was only 1 year 8 months old, and her 3-month-old Sister Esther Louise died 3 months later. They both succumbed to Tuberculosis. Betty was raised by her Father James, step-Mother Lucretia Grubbs, Grandparents Charles and Claudie (Riddell) Mauzey. She graduated from Rothville High School in 1940. She moved to Kansas City, MO. and eventually to Salina, KS. There she worked as a Beautician, at the end of World War 2 in 1945 she met William Clark “Bill” Wilson a young Army Air Force Flight Instructor based in Salina. Bill became Betty’s love of her life; they joined their hands, their hearts, and their lives together in a solemn nuptial ceremony officiated by Reverend Philip T. Boki at the Grand Avenue Temple United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. on May 4th, 1945. They initially moved to Ida, LA. This was closer to the Wilson Family and where Bill could complete his Army Air Force and National Guard service at Barksdale Air Force Base as Betty tended to the home. In 1949 the couple made their way back to Betty’s Rothville roots, and the couple began their family living most of their married lives as a resident of Brookfield, MO. Betty was a member of the Park Baptist Church, the Eastern Star Florence Chapter 124, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Northwest District. She was very creative and enjoyed Crocheting, Macramé, Plaster of Paris, Ceramics, Sewing, and Oil Painting. Betty was a true Lady that kept herself fit and healthy, she was very sweet and always had a kind word for everyone she knew and she met. She was loved by everyone who knew her without exception. In addition to her Parents and Grandparents, Betty was preceded in death by her Sister Esther Louise Grubbs, three half siblings, James “Jimmy” Grubbs, Christine (Grubbs) Benson, and Norma (Grubbs) Gardner. Betty is survived by her Children Gayle Johnson, Husband Greg of Excelsior Springs, MO. and Chuck Wilson, Wife Darlene of Brookfield, MO; Two Grandchildren Caleb Wilson and Ceirney Wilson; Three Step-Grandchildren Brett Johnson and Amy Stanfield and Drew Curley; Two Great Grandchildren Brooks and Beau Wilson, and numerous Step-Great Grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024. at 10:00 am. at Parklawn Memorial Garden Cemetery, Brookfield, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rhodes Funeral Home, Brookfield, MO. In lieu of flowers memorials have been suggested to the Rett Syndrome Foundation and/or the Alzheimer Association and can be left at or mailed to Rhodes Funeral Home, 216 Linn Street, Brookfield, MO. 64628.

Betty Jane Wilson

November 14, 1921 - July 7, 2024