Betty L. Cummings, age 82, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Wexford Place in Kansas City, Missouri.
She was born on October 15, 1943, in Warsaw, Missouri, the daughter of Hugho and Ruby Jewell (Shull) Lewis.
Betty grew up in Warsaw and graduated from Warsaw High School in 1961. She was united in marriage to John Cummings on February 23, 1963.
The couple made their home in Warsaw before moving to Lee’s Summit in 1968 and later to Sedalia in 1976, while John served with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Betty was employed as a manager for Connor Wagner Clothing Store in Sedalia until its closure in 1986, and later worked for Missouri Public Service until her retirement in 1998. In 2020, she moved to Kansas City.
Betty enjoyed shopping, crafts, home décor, flowers, and spending time with animals—especially her beloved cats. She was an active member of the Sedalia Business and Professional Women’s organization, the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She generously volunteered her time with the food pantry and Meals on Wheels. Betty also loved golfing and traveling and spent many years as a “snowbird” in Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Cummings, on February 17, 1995; and one sister, Judy Braden.
Betty is survived by three daughters: Tina Kirwan and her husband Christopher of Overland Park, Kansas; Mary Anne Reece and her husband Joseph of Kansas City, Missouri; and Susan Maupin and her husband John of Katy, Texas. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Jack Kirwan, Katie Kirwan, Andrew Reece, Amanda Reece, Molly Maupin, and Ellie Maupin; two sisters, Sharon Nowlin of Springfield, Missouri, and Cathy Walker of Clinton, Missouri; along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Betty L. Cummings will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Reser Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, Warsaw, Missouri, with Father Ben Nwosu officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Warsaw.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Wexford Place and Ascend Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Betty.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, c/o Reser Funeral Home, P.O. Box 910, Warsaw, Missouri 65355.
