Betty J. Hughes

Betty J. Hughes, 73, passed away at home, October 6, 2020, in the loving arms of her husband, Ronnie Hughes, and her daughter, Lisa Eaton. She fought a long and brave battle of lung disease, but now she rests peacefully. Betty was a happy, beautiful, fun, and loving woman.

Betty was born April 3, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, to C.M. Junior & Mildred Hower. She was the eldest of five children. As a child, her curly hair and precious smile reminded many of Shirley Temple. She adored going to the races at Olympic Stadium, where her father, Junior Hower, was a Hall of Fame, champion race car driver. She was very proud of her dad and was always his trophy queen, when he won his many super modified races. Betty also shared a love for gardening, sewing and cooking with her mother, Mildred. Her favorite flowers were her prized irises, many that were shared from her mother and grandmother’s garden. Betty also enjoyed visits to the Kansas City Plaza to see the historic stone animals.

Betty was married to her loving husband Ronnie for 15 years. They enjoyed attending live shows together as well as staying home and enjoying one another’s company. She loved to make home-cooked meals for her husband and family. Betty was a wonderful mother to daughter Lisa and step-daughter Sonya. She was the most amazing grandmother to her granddaughters, Alyisa and Alena, and her grandsons, Jimmy, Monty and Caleb. She shared a special bond with each of her grandchildren. She loved to spoil each of them with gifts, hugs, kisses, sleepovers and delicious sweets. One of Betty’s favorite foods was cheesecake. She loved to be outside in the garden to watch for hummingbirds. One of her closest and lifelong friends was her cousin, Jane Owen. Betty and Jane were known to have long phone conversations, sharing wonderful memories together.

Betty is survived by her husband Ronnie Hughes, her daughters Lisa Eaton (Danny) and Sonya Ray (Anthony), her grandchildren Alyisa Owen (Billy), Jimmy Eaton (Morgan), Alena Hughes and Monty Beck, her great-grandchild Caleb Chipman, and three of her Hower siblings, Buster, Roy and Brenda. Betty was preceded in death by her sister Debbie Ratliff, her father Junior and her mother Mildred, and former spouses Danny Williams and Raymond Hill.

Betty was cremated by Park Lawn Funeral Home, in Kansas City, MO. It was Betty’s wish that no funeral service be held. Intermediate family will host a small and private gathering to honor and celebrate the life of Betty J. Hughes. In lieu of funeral services, and to honor Betty’s love for racing, please send donations to the Central Auto Racing Boosters.

Donations can be sent to:
Central Auto Racing Boosters Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc
Karen Darling
1811 Linn Ave
Marshall, MO 65340-3241

Betty was cremated by Park Lawn Funeral Home, in Kansas City, MO. It was Betty’s wish that no funeral service be held. Intermediate family will host a small and private gathering to honor and celebrate the life of Betty J. Hughes. In lieu of funeral services, and to honor Betty’s love for racing, please send donations to the Central Auto Racing Boosters.

Donations can be sent to:
Central Auto Racing Boosters Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc
Karen Darling
1811 Linn Ave
Marshall, MO 65340-3241