Betty Haley

Betty Jo Haley (1928-2024) died on October 31, 2024, at the Gardens of Aldersgate Village. Although a resident of Topeka for the last several years of her life, Betty Jo called Lawrence, Kansas and the entire Kaw Valley her true home. It was in Lawrence where she raised her two children Jo Lynn and Michael, along with her beloved husband, Gene, who predeceased her by two decades.

Betty Jo Hunter met Gene in Callao, Missouri (current population approximately 250) when she was in the first grade and he was in kindergarten. It was not love at first sight, but it grew into a life-long love. Her memories and stories of growing up in a small, rural Missouri town during the 1930's and 40's brought joy to her throughout her life and true entertainment to her family and friends.

Betty Jo cherished holidays with her children and her niece, Jan; and nephews, Shawn, Peter, Chris, and all their spouses. She loved her children and extended family almost as much as she loved Kansas Jayhawk basketball.

Along with Jayhawk basketball, Betty Jo loved the many life-long friends she had in Lawrence. Much to her consternation, she survived them all. She particularly enjoyed the many women of Ventura Club and the pals of her Taco Tuesday group. Beside her children and niece and nephews, Betty Jo is survived by Michael's daughter, Laurel Haley of Great Bend KS; Jo Lynn and Timothy French's two sons, George (Adela Mrazkova) of Prague, Czech Republic, Charlie (Daniel Ramirez Rojas) of Chicago IL; and daughter, Lindley, also of Chicago IL. Betty Jo is also survived by two great-grandsons, Timothy and Henry French, also of Prague.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, Kansas, 66614. Graveside service will be Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Underwood Cemetery, 14828 U.S. Highway 24 Perry, Kansas 66073.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com