Betty Ann Janney, 86, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away at St. Luke’s Nursing Center, Carthage on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Betty was born on June 22, 1939, in Miller, Missouri, the daughter of the late Allen Chastain and Pearl (Layne) Chastain. After losing her father at an early age, Betty, her widowed mother and sisters moved from Miller to Carthage as she entered high school, where just a couple of years later, she would meet her lifelong soulmate, David.
Betty graduated from Carthage High School in 1957 and soon after, she and David were married. After a few years moving from place to place due to her husband’s military service and various jobs, they landed back in Carthage and put down roots that would last the rest of her life.
For many years, Betty served as Assistant Church Secretary at First Christian Church. Also, she was Treasurer and Secretary of Sunday School classes for many years, as well as contributing to the church in many other ways. She wrote devotions for David to deliver to the congregation, composed poems, was a prolific card and letter-writer, and was well-regarded for her Biblical knowledge.
Betty was a dedicated wife and mother, running the family household, managing the finances, overseeing the family calendar, organizing holiday activities and never missing an event for her son or husband. She took great joy in taking care of her family.
Betty is survived by her husband, David; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Rachel Lin Janney of Kansas City, Missouri; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Travis and Angela Janney of Belton, Missouri; and granddaughter Alexa Janney of Century City, California. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Agnes Chastain and Bonnie Myers.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at First Christian Church (also known as “The Bridge”) in Carthage, Missouri. The burial will follow at Park Cemetery, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 1 pm until service time. Memorial gifts are suggested to The Bridge in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
