Betty Joanne Bridges (Burns)

Betty Joanne Bridges (Burns), 72, passed away November 4, 2014 in her home surrounded by family. Betty was born January 1, 1942 in Independence, Missouri and resided in the areas of Sibley, Atherton, and Buckner for the duration of her life.

Betty was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking, camping and fishing at Lake Paradise and spending time on the farm where she was born and raised. She enjoyed playing bingo at the local VFW and always played the lotto in hopes of winning the “big one,” promising her family would always be taken care of. She was always willing to help with the garden, canning, or deer processing - all of which tend to be an entire family event and enjoyed the time with loved ones no matter the occasion. Family was important to Betty and she could always be called upon for advice, a shoulder to cry on or a good laugh when one was needed. She lived life with an open heart and nurturing spirit.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, John Jr. and Rowena Muriel Burns. Betty is survived by her three daughters, Tina Forkner(Harlan), Dorothy Tittsworth (Glynn Graybill), Joyce Dysart (Rick), eight grandchildren Richie Bridges (Abra), Kelly Hawkins (Nick), Jason Mauzey (Jessica), Frank Tittsworth (Amanda), Jackie Tittsworth, Cassie Dysart, Nick Dysart, Cheyanne Poff, nine great-grandchildren Austin Wright, Macie Ward, Isaiah Tittsworth, Haley Tittsworth, Cameron Wright, Jeremiah Tittsworth, Claudia Mauzey, Jacob Mauzey and baby Andrew due in January. She was also survived by two brothers James Burns (Jarri Kinnaman), John Burns (Theresa), one sister Cheryl O’Dell (Eric), eight nieces and nephews Mike Burns (Amanda), Dana Shaw (Chuck), Tera West (Dennis), Chad Burns, Kristal O’Dell (Phil Richberg), Ryan Burns, Curtis O’Dell (Ashlee), Jackie Burns, and ten great nieces and nephews Brittany Burns, Amber Shaw, Ian West, Riley West, Lorissa Burns, Alex Shaw, Kylie O’Dell, Amayah Richberg, Makayla Richberg, and Brooklyn Richberg.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Speaks Buckner Chapel, 300 Adams, Buckner, MO., at 10:00 a.m.


The angels gathered near your bed
So very close to you
For they knew the pain and suffering
That you were going through

I thought about so many things
As I held tightly to your hand
Oh, how I wished that you were strong
And happy once again

But your eyes were looking homeward
To that place beyond the sky
Where Jesus held His outstretched arms
It was time to say good-bye

I struggled with my selfish thoughts
For I wanted you to stay
So we could walk and talk again
Like we did - just yesterday

But Jesus knew the answer
And I know he loved you so
So I gave you life’s greatest gift
The gift of letting go

Now my heart will carry memories
Of the love you gave to me
Until we meet again in Heaven
Where the best is yet to be