Betty L. (Shepherd) Ayres Beard

Betty Lou Beard, 99, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri passed away peacefully on Sunday April 2, 2023. Betty was born into the loving home of Thomas J. Shepherd and Lena M. “Johns” Shepherd. She was the youngest of 7 children and she would grow up and graduate from Central High School in 1940. Betty excelled in her studies and art in high school.

Betty would later go to work for the Internal Revenue Service and from there Defense Mapping (Army Map Service) There she met the love of her life Thomas L. Beard. After 17 years Betty took a short break from working outside the home and was a homemaker. She returned to work at a local art store. Meantime her and Tom traveled and continued to show and sell their art. she finished her career at the Department of Agriculture. Betty excelled at everything she did including cooking. Her family can fondly remember her in the kitchen whipping up delicious meals wearing her apron. Betty was a member of the Art Association, member of the Civil War Round Table and the Pen Women Association.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Lena Shepard, siblings Leta, Wanda, Lillian “Kathleen”, Woodrow, Dortha Lee, and Ralph, Son William Scott, and grandsons William Randal, and Corey. She is survived by her husband of almost 59 years Thomas Beard, Daughter Rita, her partner James, daughter-in-law Nancy J. Ayres. She is also survived by many grandchildren Donna (Jack), Neal (Holly), Sarah (Mark), Dina, and Darla, 4 great-grandchildren, and 3 great- great grandchildren.  She will be fondly missed by many other extended family and friends.