Betty Jo Reynolds

Betty Jo Reynolds (Michael), (age 87), of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on January 27, 2025.

Betty Jo was born, one of 10 children, to Damon and Irene (Bruce) Michael, on December 31, 1937, in Ogallala, Nebraska. Betty Jo spent her early years on a farm then the family moved to Bridgeport, Nebraska where she finished her schooling. Betty Jo married Donald (Don) Lloyd Reynolds in November, 1955. They were together for 68 years. Four beautiful daughters were born into their family. In 1966 the family left Nebraska and moved to Overland Park, Kansas. At this point Betty Jo was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a Nurse. Betty Jo signed up for the LPN course and the whole family contributed to keep their Mom in school. She graduated with honors and went to work at Shawnee Mission Hospital. Several years later, Betty Jo started a child care business out of her home. She cared for children from newborn till 2years of age. Many children passed through Betty Jo’s arms over the next 20 years.

Betty Jo is survived by four daughters, Vickie Becan, Deanna Wiles, Patricia Wilson, and LaDonna Cooper and their spouses. There are 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Betty Jo is also survived by her brother Milton Michael and 19 nieces and nephews.

Betty Jo is predeceased by her husband Donald L. Reynolds, adopted daughter Danielle Alexander, grandson Caleb Alexander, her parents Damon and Irene Michael, and her siblings Jean Michael, June Schuler, Anne Powers, Beverly Shepherd, Richard Michael, Marilyn Baird, Donnie Allen Michael, and Darryl Michael.

Betty Jo was a woman of many talents – seamstress (not only making clothes for her family but baby and adult clothing for others), crocheted many projects over the years, was a great cook, and loved gardening and preserving food (through canning, freezing, and drying). She made many tie quilts in all sizes. Betty Jo loved music and she and Don would sing the old hymns together when they had their Worship Time.

Betty Jo loved Jesus with all her heart. She and Don would spend much of their time meeting the needs of those around them. One of the ways they did this was by helping with the Food Pantry at their church. Betty Jo would send food care packages where needed. They would bring people to church who needed a ride, etc. If you would ask Betty Jo why she did these things for others her answer would be “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do.” Her earthy sense of humor will be missed!

There is coming a day when Jesus will wake Betty Jo up to take her home to heaven. A place where all our tears will be wiped away and all sadness will be ended and this old world will be made new. O what a family reunion day that will be!!! “But I have trusted in Your faithfulness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has looked after me.” Psalm 13:5-6
There will be a memorial service for Betty Jo Reynolds on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The service will be at West Lenexa Seventh-day Adventist Church, 24450 W 83rd Street, Lenexa, KS 66227-3227 and will also be streamed online at https://bit.ly/LenexaSDA
Betty Jo was always a great supporter of programs that served others needs so instead of flowers, please consider a donation to West Lenexa Seventh-day Adventist Church, 24450 W 83rd Street, Lenexa, KS 66227-3227. Please mark your donation for Community Outreach Ministries.