Betty Jean Apple

Betty Jean Apple, 73, passed away on October 2, 2020, in Independence, Missouri.

Betty was born on February 26, 1947 in Denver, Colorado, the only child of Horace Peterson, an officer of the military and Margaret (Campbell) Peterson, a nurse. From an early age, Betty knew that she wanted to help people in need. She was a candy striper as a teenager, and ultimately graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She began her career at KU Medical Center, and met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Apple, at the nearby Safeway where he was employed. In July of 1971, they were married – and to their union was born a daughter, Elizabeth, and a son, Matthew.

Betty’s profession took her next to the Medical Center of independence, where she helped bring countless babies into the world. Meanwhile, she taught nursing classes at William Jewell for several years, then became a charge nurse and later manager for MCI. When the hospital closed, she took her place at Centerpoint Medical Center, where she retired in 2010.

Betty loved to travel with her family. Vacations together in Florida and Colorado were particularly memorable, and their 25th wedding anniversary was spent in scenic Hawaii. After she and Bob retired, they both took an interest in golf – so much so, that they set the challenge of playing at least one round of golf in every single state. They accomplished their goal in 2016. Along the way, they relished in American history of Pennsylvania and Virginia, the natural beauty, landscape, and wildlife of Alaska, and everywhere in between.

At home, Betty enjoyed passing the time by doing cross-stitching and scrapbooking. She was past president of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America – Kansas City Chapter and earned dancing trophies under the direction of Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio. Her backyard was an oasis for seasonal flowers and birdfeeders, all specifically chosen to attract different birds and butterflies based on their migratory patterns. She loved to cook at home, but she would never pass up an opportunity to visit a restaurant or a local winery.

Betty is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bob, of the home; daughter Beth McGrath of Denver, CO; son Matthew Apple of Independence; two grandchildren, Declan and Piper McGrath of Denver, CO; and special niece Melissa (husband Roberto) Griffin and their two children Ryan and Sean Griffin.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Margaret Peterson.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2020, from 9-10am, with a funeral service to follow at 10am, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St in Independence, MO. She will be laid to rest in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City. In her honor, contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)