Betty Joan Hemeyer

On the morning of Thursday, April 20, 2023, Betty Joan Hemeyer met the Lord Jesus Christ whom she had worshipped and served faithfully her entire life.

She was born Betty Joan Counts on April 28, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to Fred and Ladee (Law) Counts. She grew up in the Northern Heights neighborhood and graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1950.

She married Dean Benner in 1952 and they had 5 children: Ginny, Richard, Nancy, John & Steven. They separated in 1972 and she spent the next chapter of her life living in the Waldo area, working at the Kansas City ATA Bus Company in the payroll department and spending time with her kids as they grew up.

In 1990 her daughter, Ginny, felt her mom should move closer to where she lived in Overland Park, KS, so Betty moved to an apartment there. She started attending Emmanuel Baptist Church, which she really enjoyed, and there she met Cal Hemeyer, one of the founding members. They fell in love and were married in January, 1991. She "retired" and began enjoying her new life.

Betty was very involved in her church and for many years was considered the "communications­ central" person for getting publicity and general information to all members of the church. She had a great personality and an infectious smile and was loved by everyone.

Betty was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. Her faith was unwavering, even though she had many trials throughout her life. Even towards the end she said numerous times that "the Lord is with me". We know she felt His presence and was ready when He called her home.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ladee Counts, her husband, Cal Hemeyer, her children, Richard, Nancy and Steven Benner and her sister and husband Roxie and Ralph North. She is survived by her daughter Ginny Barnett and husband Harold, her son John Benner and wife Mary, her brother Fred Counts, Jr. and wife Paula, Cal's son Jim Hemeyer and wife Kyla and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter!

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, May 5th at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 10100 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. A lunch will be served in the fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Betty may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church.