BETTY LOU GUTHRIE 

Betty Lou Guthrie, 99, of Kansas City Kansas passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas. 

Betty was born in Milan, Sullivan County, Missouri on October 1, 1925 to Elvin and Bertha (Reger)Yardley. 

She graduated from Milan High School in 1943 and moved to Chicago where she met and married Paul Becker. 

She attended Proviso School of Nursing, became a nurse and worked at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago and later retired from Truman VA Hospital in Columbia, MO. 

Betty and Paul raised five children and Paul passed away in 1984. 

In 1989 she married James Guthrie of Columbia Missouri. James passed away in 2018. 

Betty was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 133, serving as President for several years. Betty also read her Bible everyday and attended church every Sunday, until she was no longer able. 

She is survived by four of her children Sherry (Tom) Krause, Jeff (Martha) Becker, Sandy Richardson (Shane Courtney) and Rebecca Becker. 

She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Regina Galante, Brett (Barbie) Becker, Brook (Josh) Smith, Beau (John) Lucas, Brandon Becker, Craig (Kaleigh) Richardson, Geoff (Erin) Richardson, Anderson Becker-Moore, and Phillip Becker- Moore, and 10 great grandchildren. 

Betty was preceded in death by: her parents; husbands, Paul and James; and a son, Rusty Becker. 

A private graveside service for Betty will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, North of Milan, Missouri. 

Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan is handling arrangements.