Betty’s Obituary Betty Bates Callaway passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 18, 2019, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, KS. She was 79 and a resident of The Villas at Lake Winnebago, MO. She was a beautiful, intelligent, creative and loving woman.
She cared deeply for her family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held in honor of Betty on Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m. at The John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Rd. , Kansas City, MO 64114.
Betty was born on December 14, 1939, in Wabash, IN, to her parents, Joe and LaVonne (Krom) Bates. She grew up on the family farm in Wabash County near the small town of Urbana, IN. As a member of the Merrimac Girls 4-H Club, Betty became proficient in cooking, sewing, dress making and gardening.
Betty graduated as Class Valedictorian from Urbana High School in 1958. Her high school activities included Band (Twirler and Drum Majorette), Dramatics (co-starred in 2 plays), Chorus, Sunshine Society, Library, Pep Club, Typing Editor of School Paper, Office Volunteer and Student Council Secretary-Treasurer. Honors included Sr. Class Valedictorian and Certificate for Achievement in Spelling and Practical Sales Work.
Betty began her pursuit of an undergraduate degree (emphasis business) at North Central College, Chicago, IL. However, she earned her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree (1963) and subsequent Master of Science in Education – Counseling Degree (1964) from the University of Indiana, Bloomington, IN. while at IU, Betty served as a Resident Hall Supervisor.
She began her counseling career with St. Louis Community College – Meramec Campus in Kirkwood. While serving as Faculty Advisor to Meramec’s first Student Government, she met Student President Patrick (“Pat”) Callaway. For Pat, it was love at first sight.
But it took a semester of persistence before Betty accepted Pat’s invitation to date. They married almost a year later. They lived in the suburb of St. Ann.
Pat earned an Associate in Arts Degree from Meramec and Bachelor of Arts – Social Service Division – Economics and History Degree from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville Campus (1967). After Pat received his Juris Doctor Law Degree from Washington University Law School, St. Louis, MO (1970). The family (Betty, Pat & Sean) moved to Kansas City for Pat’s start at a 40 year career in the practice of law.
Meanwhile, Betty exercised her Interior Design skills of making a home and raising her then two sons, Sean and Matthew. Later, she re-entered the workforce as an IT Analyst. Several years later, Betty assumed management of Pat’s new solo law practice.
Betty was the foundation of the Callaway Family that grew from these beginnings. She enjoyed watching the boys play organized youth sports. One year, Santa Claus brought the boys a pet, a miniature poodle we named Brandy.
Brandy and Betty made our home complete, warm and welcoming. Betty planned extraordinary trips that took the family and friends to places about the Western Hemisphere. The family trip to Tuscany, Italy and Rome was the high spot.
Family beach vacations were the best of times and always included Pat’s sister, Mary, of NY, NY, the best, most wonderful and supporting daughters-in-law, Tony and Juli, and four loving, talented and creative grandchildren. Throw in an occasional reunion with extended members of Betty’s and Pat’s families and life was just swell. Betty built close and lasting relationships with friends and neighbors.
She was a 38 year active member of The John Knox Presbyterian Kirk in South Kansas City. She was a former Choir Member and occasional Greeter with Pat. Betty was ordained as a Ruling Elder of The Kirk.
She also served as Chairwoman of the Worship Committee. Betty was smart yet humble. She was methodical and creative, and she had a calm, confident demeanor.
A close friend said of Betty, “…She was so warm and friendly, supremely talented in so many areas [and] had a gorgeous smile”. Another close friend said Betty “…listened so well and asked the right questions”. She often talked about starting a business, but put it off in favor of her family.
Once retired, she finally became an entrepreneur, starting a specialized handbag business, Betty’s Chic Boutique. She enjoyed the craft of sewing, and took pride in her work. Betty was always busy cooking, sewing, weaving, decorating the home and maintaining her flower gardens.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and LaVonee; Pat’s parents, Jack and Jimye; brothers-in-law, Larry Mast and Jim Callaway; and sister-in-law, Renee (“Rose”) Callaway (Mike’s 2nd wife). Betty is survived by her loving husband, Pat, and sons, Sean Patrick & wife Tonya, and Matthew Bates & wife Julianne (Juli); grandchildren, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Collin and Corinee; sister, Nancy Mast; sisters-in-law, Libby (Jim’s wife), Clara (Mike’s 1st wife) and Mary Callaway; brothers-in-law, Michael Callaway & wife Nancy Kelly, and Jeff Callaway & wife Heather; and many beloved nephews and nieces. Betty will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Rd. , KCMO 64114, and The University of Kansas Cancer Center, 2650 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Westwood, KS 66205. Fond memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.
MuehlebachChapel.com.
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