Betty Ann Wright

Betty Ann Wright, née Potts, passed away peacefully at University Health Long Term Care Center in Kansas City, Missouri on January 12th, 2024, just shy of her 91st birthday. The only child of Gertrude Jennie Watkins and Nelson Carl Potts, Betty was born on January 31st, 1933 in Los Angeles, California. As a young girl she moved with her mother back to the family farm in Delta, Ohio. It was there, amongst her maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, that Betty enjoyed the remainder of her childhood.

She graduated in 1951 from Libbey High School in Toledo, Ohio.  Betty remained in Toledo working at Churchill & Kroger grocery stores before joining the staff at The University of Toledo. She began her career at the university in the mail room, and eventually became a purchasing agent following a prolonged interlude to raise her three children. She retired from the university in 1991. Ten years into retirement, Betty moved to Independence, Missouri to live with her daughter and family.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Verne T. Wright. She is survived by her two sons Paul (Diane) and David Hollinger and a daughter Carol (Jeff) Neaveill; grandchildren Courtney (Felix), Brycen (Keri), Jordan, Joseph (Danielle), Joshua (Loren), and Corrie (Brian); and four great-grandchildren Henriette, Gracelyn, Josalie, and Cameron.

Betty loved her dogs, quilting (and, like many quilters – the collection of fabric for future projects), camping and cooking. Beloved family stories of Betty involve her many escapades (in her RV) and her uncanny and unconventional packing style. Together with her husband Verne, she frequently traveled, took-up photography and enjoyed hobbies such as creating stained-glass art pieces. She possessed a green thumb, and maintained a picturesque garden at her home in Toledo. Betty spent her days, especially later in life, stretched out in a comfortable chair, lost in the pages of a good romance novel. She shared with and patiently passed down her many interests and hard-won skills to her grandchildren, and was equally dedicated to their endeavors. Betty was deeply devoted to her church and enjoyed participating in various church functions. When she could no longer be physically present, Betty faithfully tuned-in to Sunday morning service on her tablet. Betty will be remembered by those that knew and loved her as faithful, adventurous, and amicable… and a fierce food critic! She is already dearly missed.

To honor Betty‘s passing, her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at Roots Seasonal Cuisine, 940 NW Pryor Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO on Saturday, January 20th from 3-5pm. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Wayside Waifs or your local animal shelter in Betty‘s
memory. RSVP to Carol Neaveill.