Betty Joanna Meyer

Betty J. Meyer, 93, of Independence died on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Credo Senior Living. Betty Joanna Meyer was born in Cedar Vale, KS on September 8, 1932 to James H. and Helen (Morgan) Page. She graduated from Independence High School in Independence, KS in 1950. Betty married Robert H. Meyer on November 14, 1954 in Independence. She worked as a Secretary in the Engineering Department at Sinclair Pipeline Company from 1950 to her resignation in 1955 to become a full-time mother and homemaker.

Throughout her life, she made significant contributions to her community, church, and various organizations. Her dedication to her church included serving as a member of the Dorcas Society, Women of Zion, and as the accompanist and later director of the Chancel Choir. She organized and directed numerous events, including a Mass Choir for the Kansas Lutheran Laymen's League Convention and the annual Service of Lessons and Carols. She also was a past member of the Parent-Teacher Organization of Zion Lutheran School and served that organization as secretary.

In the community, she was a talented musician who sang alto in "The Pride of Independence" and performed in local Neewollah productions such as Oklahoma! (1960), My Fair Lady (1964), directed the Nun’s Chorus in The Sound of Music (1966), and was the Chorus Director for South Pacific (1968). She directed the Centennial Chorus for Independence’s 1970 Centennial and served as chairman of the Centennial Record Album. She was a Charter Member of the Independence Civic Chorus and Independence Oratorio Society and remained active with the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center.

Her passion for music extended to her involvement with the Monday Music Club. She held numerous leadership roles, including President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of the Club Chorus and The Musiclub Singers. She also played a key role in hosting Kansas Federation of Music Clubs State Conventions and served as Publicity Chairman.

At the state level, she was past President of the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs (KFMC) and held various other leadership positions within KFMC. She was a co-recipient of KFMC’s “Who’s Who of Church Musicians” award in 1986 and she was honored with the "Pillar of the Point" Award in 1989, while serving as President of KFMC.

Nationally, she was a Life Member of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), former Kansas Representative to the NFMC Board of Directors, and held numerous roles within NFMC, including Memorial & Recognition Fund Chairman, Bylaws & Rules Chairman, and Executive Committee member.

Betty is survived by her two daughters Helen (Bryan) Travis of Zeeland, MI and Eloise (Jim) Kelly of Independence, granddaughter Beth Kelly of Independence, and sister Judith Land of Fosters, AL. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Meyer, her parents James H. and Helen (Morgan) Page, her brother Charles Page, and her sisters Wanda (Page) Blair, Wava (Page) Kelley, and Twila (Page) Herring.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8th at Potts Chapel in Independence, KS. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9th at Zion Lutheran Church in Independence, KS. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran School and can be left with the funeral home.