Betty Jo Killian left this earthly world on her birthday, March 17 2016, to be joined in heaven with her Lord and Savior and the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Killian. Betty was born on March 17, 1929 in Polk County, Missouri to Joe and Katie Hawkins. She grew up in Bolivar, MO. alongside many friends and family members, and graduated from Bolivar High School. In 1946, at the age of 17, Betty met her future husband Bob on a blind date Halloween night. They married on March 10, 1947 in a Baptist minister’s home in Kansas City, Kansas.
Betty was a loving wife and mother, and took great pride in caring for her husband and three sons. She was a devoted Christian and member of First Baptist Church in Springfield, MO where she frequently participated in Bible Study and charitable service. She was also very passionate about the Mercy Hospital Burn Unit, which she and her husband helped establish in memory of their son Roger Killian, who passed in 1981.
Betty and Bob loved to travel, which they did extensively throughout their lives. The two visited all the states in the Continental U.S. and parts of Canada in their motor coach. They also enjoyed spending time at their second home in Glendale, Arizona. Betty was known for her kindness, her generosity and her radiant smile that could light up a room. She will be missed by so many who loved her.
Betty was preceded in death by her devoted husband Bob and loving son Roger. She was also preceded by her parents Joe and Katie Hawkins, brother L.J. Hawkins, and sister Maxine Hawkins Davis.
She is survived by son Joseph P. Killian and wife Carol, son William F. Killian and wife Lisa, granddaughter Lindsey Huffman and husband Brad, granddaughter Lana Stevenson and husband SPC Alexander, granddaughter Christina Killian, grandson Nicholas Killian, great granddaughters Reece and Reagan Huffman, and many nieces, nephews and extended family, all of whom she loved dearly.
Services for Betty will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 25, 2016 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with interment to follow in Hazelwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 to 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 25, 2016 prior to the service.
The Killian family request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to The Mercy Burn Unit 3265 South National Ave. Suite 200 Springfield, Missouri 65807 in Memory of Betty Jo Killian.