Betty Lee Kenney

Betty Lee Kenney died peacefully on July 23, 2023, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO.  She was born in Shickley, Nebraska on February 15, 1926, to Ray and Elsie Hatz Ziettlow.  At a young age, the family relocated to Lincoln, NE, where Betty graduated from Lincoln HS and attended the University of Nebraska. She met George Kenney in Lincoln, and they were married on February 4, 1950. Betty and George raised three children – Sue, Scott, and Tim. Their union spanned 61 years until George's death in 2011.

George’s job included stops in Omaha, Lincoln, Great Bend, KS, and Des Moines, IA.  At each location, Betty quickly acquired a close circle of friends and built relationships, many of which were maintained until her death.

Retirement years were primarily spent in Omaha, closer to family, friends, and her beloved Cornhuskers.  Her time was dedicated to grandchildren, travel with the golf group, bridge clubs, outings with dinner groups, trips to the zoo, tailgating and attending Nebraska football games among many other social activities.

Betty relocated to Kansas City in April 2021 to be closer to her daughter Sue, who faithfully cared for her mother until Betty’s death.

Betty will be remembered for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor - qualities she maintained even into her final days. She also had a unique ability to connect with and entertain young children.  She was devoted to her family and her home was always the gathering spot for holiday meals and family get-togethers.

Betty is survived by her three children - Sue (Dee) Rosekrans of Liberty, MO, Scott Kenney of Denver CO, and Tim (Lynn) Kenney of West Des Moines, IA, grandchildren - Kathleen, Emily, Josh, Sara, Jack, Mary and four great grandchildren - Livia, Callan, Carter and Cooper. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dean Ziettlow, and sister Shirley Ziettlow Wurm.

The family offers sincere gratitude and thanks to the staffs at Oxford Grand Assisted Living and NorthCare Hospice House for the compassionate care provided in Betty’s final days.

A Celebration of Life is planned for August 25 at 2 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery with a reception to follow.  A private family burial will follow the reception.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.