Bette R. Jenkins

Bette R. Jenkins, 90, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, following a brief illness. Bette is now at peace and is joyfully reunited with the love of her life, her husband of 65 years, Harold L. Jenkins, who passed away on March 8, 2012.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jenkins Conway and Michael Conway, of Dallas, and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Bohlken and Dr. Robert Bohlken, of Maryville, MO.

She is also survived by niece, Katy Gumm (Ed), of Maryville, and their sons, Bobby (Merlin) Gumm of Los Angeles, and Brandon (Ashley) Gumm, of Maryville. Also surviving Bette is nephew, Daniel Bohlken (Kelly) and their daughter, Faith, and son, Alex, of Shawnee Mission, KS.

A beloved, devoted and loyal wife, mother, mother-in-law and sister, Bette placed her family first, but was a caring friend to many. She loved people, enjoyed entertaining, and was an accomplished hostess and homemaker. She excelled in many creative interests, enjoyed traveling and was extremely well-read. Bette was a certified graphologist (handwriting analyst) and lectured on the subject. Her favorite Psalm was, “This is the Day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”. She was the eternal optimist and faced challenges throughout her life head on. Devout Catholics, Bette and Harold were parishioners of St. Therese Catholic Church in Parkville, MO, for over 35 years. They prayed the Rosary daily and were devoted to the Blessed Mother.

Bette was born to loving and generous parents, Daniel C. and Thelma Riley of Dawson. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. Bette received her teaching certificate from Peru State College in Peru.

A private funeral Mass will be held in Frisco, Texas. Bette will be laid to rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery North in Kansas City, MO. Her family is grateful to Bette’s loving caregivers and friends at Sunrise Senior Living of Frisco.