Betty ‘Jean’ Shrader
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
Betty Jean Shrader was born on September 29th, 1925 to Vivian and Vernon VanCamp in Iola Kansas. Jean attended Peru State Teachers College in Nebraska and earned a master’s degree. She married Donald Wesley Shrader on December 26th, 1946. They had three children; Donald Wesley Jr., Becky Vee, and Steven Eugene. Jean and Wes eventually made their home at Lake Lotawana in 1956. Jean was a teacher for 32 years. She was last employed with the Hickman Mills School District where she taught music, home economics, and English until she retired in 1984.
Jean was a member of the Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church where she served as choir director. She was a member of the Community Club, active in the Rotary Club, and a Ft. Osage Muzzleloader Member. She enjoyed participating in the Lunch Buddies program at Mason School.
In her leisure she enjoyed sewing, birdwatching, and was an avid reader. She also taught swimming and guitar lessons. Jean had a love for Native American Culture, and was known around the lake for her jamborees with her custom made Teepee. Jean always had a need for adventure, whether it be cruising with the top off in the jeep, traveling from state to state in her motor home, or taking joy rides in her little red Corvett.
Jean had a tightknit group of friends and they called themselves the Epsilon Seven. They exchanged red robin correspondence and planned many trips throughout the years.
Jean was truly blessed, she departed this life on December 25th, 2015 at the age of 90. She is preceded in death by: Her husband Wes, her son Donnie, her beloved sister Dorothy Beggs, and her two brothers Don and Verl VanCamp. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Becky and husband Carl Halphin, her son Steve and wife Tammy Shrader, her sister Carolyn Wellman and her grandchildren David and Doug Halphin, Melanie, Austin, and Michael Shrader, Colette and Kara Shrader, 11 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services for Jean will be held at the Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church at 3:00 pm Wednesday, December 30th. Visitation will take place the same day starting at 2:30.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or St. Jude’s Hospital.
Visits: 1
Mrs. Shrader was my 6th grade teacher in 1960-61 at Symington Elementary. She taught us values, made every subject interesting while inspiring us to work hard, and always had us sing while we were waiting for lunch or dismissal. We even went to a nursing home to perform with songs and a choral reading. One cold Saturday she had us come to her home on the lake to go ice skating. Because of her I chose to become a teacher, beginning with 6th grade. I’ve told so many people about her over the years. I know she’ll be missed, but she still lives on in many of us and I know I’ll see her again. May God comfort you with happy memories!
I was truly saddened to learn of Jean’s passing. It was my privilege to work with her for some 15 years at Ervin Junior High School. Jean was a true professional educator, a positive, involved faculty member, and a lovely lady.
Sincerely,
Wayne E. Katz