Betty Rose Conway, 83, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on January 20, 2025, at the Healthcare Resort of Olathe. Born on May 25, 1941, Betty lived a life full of love, faith, and dedication to her husband, her family, her community, her nieces and nephews in Carthage, Missouri, and her church, Lawrence Baptist Temple.
Betty was a devoted mother to David Alan Conway, and the late Dana Michele Conway.
She was a loving grandmother to David Alan Conway II, Caleb Anthony Perez, Dallas Kane Conway, and Christopher William Conway. Loving Great Grandmother to Celestra Shyla-Marie Conway, Avani Nashira Coil, Asher Samual Chaney, and Rylan Andrew Perez. Mother in Law to Kristie Conway and Phil Perez.
Betty was also a caring grandmother-in-law to Tory Conway, Kelly Perez, Rachel Chaney, Ashley Conway, and Dhyana Coil.
Born and raised on a farm outside of Jasper, Missouri, Betty grew up with her three beloved older sisters, Ruby, Cleva, and Erma. She developed a love for hard work and animals during her childhood, spending her days driving tractors, baling hay, and caring for a wide variety of farm animals. One of her favorite pet was “Ducky Duddles,” a beloved duck who followed her everywhere she went, leaving an indelible mark on her childhood.
She graduated from Jasper High School in Jasper, Missouri, in 1959, where she played and stared in volley ball, and softball. There she forged lifelong friendships and began shaping the compassionate and hardworking person we all knew and loved.
In 1961, Betty worked for the Oblate Press in Carthage, Missouri, demonstrating the strong work ethic and dedication that would define her professional life. On October 8, 1961, she married the love of her life, Isaac Jeremiah Conway (Jerry). Shortly afterward, they moved to Savannah, Georgia, where Betty embraced life as a proud military wife.
In 1965, Betty and Jerry returned to Missouri, settling in Springfield. They later lived in the Oklahoma City area before moving to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1982, where they put down lasting roots.
From 1990 until her retirement in 2012, Betty worked for Dr. James Dray in Lawrence, dedicating over two decades to serving others with compassion and professionalism. Her strong work ethic, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
A faithful member of the Lawrence Baptist Temple since the 1990s, Betty’s strong faith and kind spirit inspired everyone who knew her.
Betty was not only a devoted wife and mother but also an admired home cook. She was known throughout Lawrence for her incredible culinary skills and her generosity in sharing them. Her famous homemade salsa, some of the spiciest and tastiest in town, was a gift she often shared with friends and neighbors. Betty was also beloved for her signature chicken-fried steak and her comforting chicken and dumplings, dishes that brought people together and created lasting memories.
Betty’s life was marked by resilience, love, and a steadfast commitment to her values. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, her amazing cooking, and her kind and generous spirit.
A viewing will take place at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044 (6th and Indiana) at 6:00 PM – 7:00PM Friday 31st. The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Lawrence Baptist Temple, 3201 West 31st Street, Lawrence, Kansas, and will be officiated by Pastor Gary Meyer. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate her incredible legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lawrence Baptist Temple in Betty’s honor.
Betty will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her love, kindness, and food will live on in our hearts.
Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com.
