Betty J. Keever

Betty Jean Keever, Born September 23, 1929, went to be with the Lord April 4, 2026 at the age of 96 years old. She was the oldest child to Charles Pleas and Letha Deon Schmidt of Maryville, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by husband Billy Joe Keever, Mike Keever (son), her parents Charles Pleas and Deon Schmidt, brother J.R. Schmidt, and sister Verlene Houston.

Betty attended East Star Country School (8 years), Graham (9th grade), and Horace Mann High School, Graduated Northwest Maryville University and Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois.

62 years of marriage (August 3, 1950) to Billy Joe Keever, joining her life partner and husband, in everlasting life.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Betty was known for her love and work with people of all backgrounds.

She is survived by her children Jerry Keever (Patty) of Independence, Missouri, and Judy Hatfield (Steve) of Odessa, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Williams, Rocky Keever, Chad Keever, Shannon Keever, Holly Carson, Nick Hatfield, Blake Hatfield. Seven great grandchildren, Caden Williams, Nevaeh Keever, Izaiah Keever, Jeremiah Keever, Marlee Carson, Capri Keever, Crue Keever, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was a devoted pastor's wife. Ministering as a team with Bill they preached at Alton, Illinois, No. 10 (a country church near Potomac, Illinois), Westside Christian Church (Intercity Kansas City, Missouri 11 years), Millersburg, Ohio, Independence, Kansas, Eastside Christian Church (20 years Kansas City, Missouri), Rockport Christian Church (Rockport, Missouri 15 years) and mission work in Jamaica, West Indies.

Betty was Founder and Director of Christian Women's Outreach ministering as a speaking ministry. She was a gifted teacher. She taught in a one room school. Reading teacher in Ohio. She enjoyed sales. Real Estate (20 years) Maryville Realty, Maryville, Missouri. Sewing was a passion that turned into a ministry making quilts, custom little pillows, crochet flowers, and many more creative gifts.

Betty Jean Keever's life was marked by faith, service, and a deep commitment to her family and community, leaving behind a legacy of love and encouragement for all who knew her. She lived each day expecting Jesus' Second Coming, Her love for Jesus inspired you to "Be Ready" for His soon return!

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services which starts at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The burial will follow at the Nodaway Memorial Gardens in Maryville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made out to Countryside Christian Church in Maryville, or to Skidmore Christian Church.