Mary Lou Betts, 85, Oregon, Missouri, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 at Oregon Health Care surrounded by her family.
She was born November 27, 1939 in Brenner, Kansas, the eldest of four children. She graduated in 1957 from Troy High School.
After high school, she moved to St. Joseph and married Gerald Vincent Mueller and they had two children. She later married Terry Keolliker, then later Mike Betts.
After attending college, she worked for the Division of Family Services, where she retired in 2005.
She was a mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon “Pedro” Ruhnke and Myrtle E. (Hennis) Ruhnke; and brother-in-law, Fred Cluck.
Survivors include her two children, Stephanie and Doug; grandchild, Dallas (J.C. Smith); great-grandchildren, Landen, Sage, Kinlee and Ryker; siblings, Norma (Jim), Connie, and Wayne (Venita) Ruhnke.
We will forever carry you in our hearts. A life well-lived.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 25, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
