Betty May
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Betty May, 92, resident of Independence Missouri, passed away on February 16, 2018. Betty was born in Kansas City Missouri to Artis and Selma Nelson on June 12, 1925. She spent her childhood in Kansas City and graduated Paseo High School. In 1942, Betty married Raymond L. May at the Kansas City Courthouse. After WWII ended, Betty and Ray moved to Raytown Missouri. Betty was the housewife extraordinaire. She maintained an impeccable home and beautiful flower gardens. She was an avid seamstress making most all her own clothing and any fabricated items needed for the home. Her skills didn’t stop with sewing as she was a master chef in the kitchen. She never hesitated to make a new recipe and try a new ingredient. Betty also was the woman in the grocery or department store that was stylishly dressed and demanded neatness and decorum from her children. She volunteered at the hospital as a Gray Lady and attended the Circle organization at the Lutheran church.
In later years, Betty joined the Eastern Star and Red Hats. She loved watching the Chiefs, Royals play and held season tickets for the Chief games over many years. In her 50s, Betty took up golf, and joined the Hillcrest Country Club. During retirement years, Betty and husband traveled to various European countries. After going to Hawaii with friends one year, they continued to vacation there for several years afterwards enjoying the weather, the golf courses, and the beaches.
In the final years of her life Betty lived alone but entertained constantly, played bridge, and belonged to a gourmet cooking club. Even in her 90s she still kept an impeccable home and made her own delicious meals. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years in 1993, and her sister, Doris Blythe Moree in 1994.
She will be sadly missed by: Daughter, Cheryl Attaway and spouse, Chuck; son Kirk May and spouse Susan; and grandchildren Shanon Zieman, Soren Trivers, Sara Trivers, Justin May, & Serena Samyn. Also missing their great-grandmother are Zac & Paige Zieman, Tanner, Brooke, Cooper and Lauren Trivers and Brittany McInnis.
A celebration of life will be held at the Heartland chapel, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO on Tuesday, February 26 at 11 am with visitation from 10 to 11. A remembrance luncheon will follow at the home of Betty May.
Visits: 3
Cheryl, because you were one of my best friends growing up, I knew your Mother. Mrs. May was gracious and sophisticated and I addressed her as “Mrs” to show my admiration of such a lady. When our group of girlfriends got together, your Mother joined our luncheons and celebrations with her gracious and kind presence. She dressed elegantly and acted elegantly. I loved to talk to her. And we enjoyed some laughs together.
You were the last of our group to have your Mother on Earth with you. I know you and Kirk and all your family will feel the void she has left. I just know that you learned a lot from your Mother and she loved all of you very much. I am glad that I knew her.
Cheryl:
I have enjoyed hearing stories about your mother through the years. I enjoyed having lunch with both of you and helping you take her to the doctors. You were a blessing to her in her later years and you reflect her beauty and hospitality graces. She will be missed!
You are my cherished friend,
Loretta Chudy
Betty was a pretty lady. Sorry for your loss.
I was so sorry to learn of Betty’s death. She was a lovely lady. I will not be able to attend the services as I have a doctor’s appointment.
What a sweet friend my husband, Dale Wagner (now deceased) and I, Jo, had in Betty. I have not seen her for many years but the memories of her are a delight to hang onto. My husband had a wonderful friendship with many of the family long before we were married. He often said how Ray taught him how to play golf, Betty fed him really well and Cheryl was the apple of his eye! What a joy friends bring into our lives.
Always said she was a tough act to follow. I always had so much fun being with her.