Betty Jo (Howard) Widner

Betty Jo (Howard) Widner of Whitinsville, MA, died on August 31, 2018 at the age of 87. Betty was born

on October 18, 1930 in Bendena, KS. Her parents were Joseph B. and Velma G. Howard. She had one

younger sister, Patricia (Howard) Schuman who died in 2000. Betty was a talented pianist and singer who

was accepted to The Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City upon her

graduation from Wathena High School in 1948. Instead, she married James Edward Widner of Pittsburg,

Kansas in August 1948. They were married 37 years until his death in 1987. They did extensive,

worldwide traveling together for his business, which she loved. They had two children and lived their

married lives in Grandview, MO., Prairie Village, KS., Overland Park, KS., and Camdenton, MO. She

was also very gifted artistically and was able to sketch and draw beautifully. After her husband’s death,

she lived with her son, Mark, and his wife in Overland Park until 2011. At that time, she moved to

Whitinsville, MA. to live with her daughter, Pam, and her husband. In more recent years, she enjoyed her

children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reading - especially cookbooks, watching TV, computer

games, and her beloved cats, Tess and Nikki.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela LaTour and her husband, Denis of Whitinsville, her son, Mark

Widner and his wife Becca of Northbridge, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a niece and two

nephews.

At Betty’s request, no services will be held. After cremation, she requested to be returned to Kansas for a

private family service. A memorial service, in Whitinsville, will be arranged at a later time.

The family declines flowers and donations, but condolences or memories of Betty would be gratefully

accepted. These can be sent to:

The Family of Betty Widner

88 Linwood Ave.

Whitinsville, MA. 01588

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