Ada Betts

Ada M. Betts, 93, of Independence, MO, was greeted by the heavenly hosts in full chorus on November 16, 2010. Ada was born on June 22, 1917 in Chicago, IL to parents Myrtle Faye and George Alexander Phillips. The family moved to the Independence, Missouri area when Ada was a toddler. Ada was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers George and Robert Phillips. She is survived by her sister, Myrtle Faye Phillips, her devoted husband of 67 years, C. Glenn Betts, her cherished daughters Rebecca Ann Carlson and Glenna Kay Johnson, 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Ada graduated from Northeast High School and The Kansas City Business College with honors. As a young woman, Ada enjoyed notoriety as radio singer in duets and quartets. Her musical talent and passionate leadership allowed her to be a sought after Choir and Bell Choir Director for Rockwood Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Independence. In addition to the choirs she was Youth Minister, Sunday School Teacher, Christmas and Easter Pageant Director. Ada was a head of her times and was a savvy business woman and leader. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone CO, early in her career and eventually retired from Sear & Roebuck as a Buyer. Ada’s leadership abilities benefited the community of Independence, Missouri through serving as President of Neighborhood Council # 9 from 1974 until her death. She served as Editor and Publisher of the Neighborhood News Letter, along with numerous community projects, and fundraising for Neighborhood 9. Ada worked with the Independence Housing Authority for 12 years and for the last 6 years of her service as chair. Ada was on the Mayor’s Advisory Board, Juvenile Justice Advocate Board, Landlord/Tenant Board and Volunteer Parole Officer. A few of the numerous awards Ada received during her 93 years of well lived life include a Bundschu Park Shelter House dedicated to her and husband Glenn, the Truman Heartland Citizen of the year Award, Sears National Employee of the Year, Neighborhood Council People’s Choice Award, Neighborhood Council Good Neighbor Award, Neighborhood Council Lifetime Achievement Award, and City of Independence Key to the City by Mayor King. Ada was truly an Independence Icon and wanted the best for her marriage, her family, her neighbors , and her community. Ada was an activist and did her very best every day to inspire all those in her path to care for themselves and others while living each day to their fullest. Ada lived the best example of Love thy Neighbor as Thyself. She will be missed by all. The celebration of Ada’s life will be held Friday, November 19, at First Baptist Church, 500 W. Truman, Independence, MO. Services will begin at 2:00 Friday, with visitation one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Truman Heartland Foundation c/o Commerce Bank Building, 300 N. Osage, Independence, MO 64050.