Betty Jane Johnson

Betty Jane Johnson, 76 of Independence, MO passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at her residence.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel with a graveside interment service at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday at the South Evans Cemetery in Trenten, MO.  The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Monday evening at the chapel.   Betty was born March 2, 1947 in Jefferson City, MO to William C. and Lillie Pauline (Fletcher) Gardner and spent her early life there before moving to the Kansas City area where she has been a longtime resident.  She had worked most notably as a caregiver with handicapped and developmentally challenged. Betty was a selfless person who enjoyed helping other people.  She enjoyed gardening, reading, spending time in her swimming pool, and traveling whenever possible. She loved telling family stories to her friends and family.  She is survived by; her husband, Larry A. Johnson of the home; 5 children, Sonja Pittman (James) of Kansas City, KS, William Johnson of Kansas City, MO, Meccia Giesing of Ft. Worth, TX, Christina Howlett (Clifton) of Independence, MO and Christine Glenn of Kansas City, MO; 2 sisters, Barbara Ann Driscoll of Queens, Australia and Nancy Irene Chizmadia of Wichita Falls, TX; 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Larry Michael Johnson, 2 brothers, William “Bud” Gardner  and David Spencer Gardner, a grandchild and a great grandchild. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)