Betty Gale Larson, 92, beloved wife, Mom, Grammy, G.G., and Aunt, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 24, 2022, at Lakeview Village in Lenexa, her home for the last 19 years. Gale was born Aug. 11, 1929, in California, Missouri, to Charles L. and Edna Beutler Yost. She was the youngest of four children: Nadia, Paul, and Charles. She married Fred "Bud" Larson on Oct. 16, 1949. They made their home wherever Fred's job as postal inspector took them, living in Overland Park, Houston, Pittsburg, and back to Kansas City, finally retiring to Rogers, Arkansas, for over 20 years, before moving back to Lenexa to live at Lakeview Village. Fred preceded Gale in death in 2006.
Love of family, a great curiosity about life, and a love of nature were three hallmarks of Gale's life. Her family has great memories of time spent learning about birds, trees, flowers, music, games, and thriftiness from her, as well as treasuring many examples of Gale's well-known humor. Always quick with a quip or a prank, she delighted in sending and receiving hilarious greeting cards, to the great enjoyment of her family, who competed in giving her the funniest cards. She was a master of all things puzzling — crosswords, jumbles, and jigsaw puzzles. She was able to travel the U.S, Canada, and Europe, but best of all was coming home and sharing all she'd seen. Gale was truly always there for her family, accepting and loving everyone in her circle and sharing with them the things that were important to her.
Giving back to the community was also of great importance to Gale. Besides being a longtime active member of the United Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg, Rogers Central United Methodist Church, and Lenexa United Methodist Church, she was a member of Daughters of the Nile in Pittsburg, held several offices in her P.E.O. chapter in Rogers, and volunteered at the battered women's shelter thrift store in Rogers. In her earlier years, Gale was particularly proud of her membership in the National Honor Society at Shawnee Mission High School. After moving to Lakeview Village in Lenexa, she volunteered in several capacities at Lakeview's What-Not Shop until her health no longer permitted it.
Gale leaves behind three children: Christy (Daryl) Roller of Lenexa, Craig (Cheryl) Larson of Springdale, Arkansas, and Eric (Tina) Larson of Lenexa; three treasured granddaughters: Amy Roller and Beth Roller, both of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sarah (Trenton) Moots of Shawnee; two great-grandsons, Caleb, and Noah Moots; and adopted granddaughter Karen Cox. Gale also was very close to her nieces and nephews on both the Yost and Larson sides. She was that special person who knit the family together and kept everyone connected. This dear, loving, lively soul will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of her life was held Saturday, Aug. 20, in Overland Park. Donations in Gale's memory may be made to Lenexa United Methodist Church or the Lakeview Village Foundation. Special memories or condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com.
