Betty Jo Benton

Betty Jo (Talbot) Benton, 94, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away March 19, 2017. Betty was born in Garden City, Missouri on August 15, 1922 to T. F. and Florence Talbot. Betty attended North Kansas City High School where she met her future husband, Parker Benton. They were married on February 28, 1942 and celebrated their 65th Anniversary shortly before he passed in 2007. They have two daughters, Sandra Kay and Joyce Linda. Their daughters were both born on August 31st, 3 years apart. Sandra Kay married Mickey Carpenter and Joyce Linda married Arthur Macdonald. Betty and Parker have 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Betty was part of 5 generations at 2 separate times in her life. The first when Sandra Kay had her first-born child, James and the second when Sandy Rose, James’ daughter, had her first-born child, Jackson. Betty also had two sisters and one brother, which between them have 4 children.
Betty was a secretary for two different companies as was well respected for her work. She earned the position as the first female officer at First National Bank. She was an amazing typist at 120 words a minute on a manual typewriter. She took all her dictation in short hand and even her grocery lists were in shorthand. We would all call her for the correct spelling of words and she would proof everyone’s papers or reports. She could spell any word that anybody could pronounce, even at 94 years old! She retired from the bank in 1980. Parker wanted her to retire early so she could learn to cook. She was already an amazing cook, but Parker was very picky. Everything she made was delicious and gourmet! One of her signature items was her Angel Food Cake, which was the highlight of every occasion. Her recipes have been passed down and are still our favorites.
Betty and Parker worked on many home projects, built furniture and so many other specialties. They were a great team together. Betty loved to decorate; not only inside, but also for every holiday. They had lights all around the house, inside and out, and they won Best Decorated Christmas Home in the Coves neighborhood.
Both Betty and Parker had very complete and full lives. They had a positive impact on so many friends and family. They lived through very challenging times and always prospered. Their impact will continue to live in the hearts of so many who were blessed to know them.
She is survived by the following Grandchildren: James Carpenter and wife Dana, Jeff Carpenter and wife Ann, Brenda (Carpenter) Shores and husband Craig, Scott Macdonald (went to heaven in 1992) and Stacy (Macdonald) Bales; Great-Grandchildren: Sandy Rose Sola and husband Michael, Christopher Carpenter, Karissa Shores, Scott Shores, Kayla Devoulder, Jimmy Carpenter, Mary Carpenter, Courtney Bales, Sydney Bales; Great-Great Grandchildren: Jackson Sola, Olivia Sola, Dylan Carpenter.
The family requests no flowers or donations.
A private family burial will be held in the Garden City Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.