Betty Jean Slusher

October 23, 1932 to July 3, 2023

Betty Jean Slusher was born to William Pryor Campbell and Mildred Krebs Campbell on the 23^rd day of October, 1932 in Humboldt, Kansas.  The family moved to Osawatomie, Kansas in 1943 where she completed her education in the public schools, graduating from Osawatomie High School in 1950.  She attended Ursuline College for a year, after which she worked at the Interstate Bank in Kansas City for a year.  On a scholarship, she graduated from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  While at Baker, Betty was socially active as a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and participated in many of the University’s activities.  Upon graduation from Baker University, she joined the Kansas City Area Council of Girl Scouts as a District Director and Camp Director.  She later became Assistant Executive Director of Pioneer Trails Council of Girl Scouts in Independence, Missouri, and a National Trainer for the Girl Scouts. 

In 1962 Betty and James B. Slusher were married at Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1963 she retired from the Girl Scouts and she and Jim started their family, having three children. While keeping busy with her husband and children she also found time for many volunteer jobs, including activities with the Presbyterian Church, Headstart, University of Missouri Women’s Council, Cub Scout and Girl Scout leadership, docent at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, membership in and President of the Philharmonic Women’s Association, and member of the Philharmonic Board of Directors.   She was active in P.T.A at all levels and became President of the Center School District Council of P.T.A.  She was a member of and became President of the FQ Chapter of P.E.O. and President of Metropolitan P.E.O. Reciprocity Board.  She was also a member of a long-established Alternate Tuesday Study Club for women in Kansas City, Equals and Cream Investment Club, a 45-year member of her ladies bridge club, and she actively participated in the Mother’s Clubs of Phi Gamma Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Missouri at Columbia.

In her spare time, Betty enjoyed traveling, cooking, and gardening. She always eagerly offered help or assistance to friends or family in need. She truly lived a life of service to others. That, along with her positive attitude, pleasant demeanor, and strong resiliency, set an inspirational example for her children, grandchildren and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Betty was predeceased in March of this year by her husband of 60 years, James B. Slusher. She is survived by her three children and spouses, and 10 grandchildren:

Andrew Christopher Slusher (Laura Slusher, children Erin, Alex, Jonathan, William, and Daniel), James Clinton Slusher (Heather Slusher, children Cole and Sophie), Jean Elizabeth Slusher Svoren (David Svoren, children Michael, Jim, and Megan).

A Celebration of Life open house will be held 5-7 pm on Tuesday, July 11, at John Knox Kirk Presbyterian Church. A graveside burial service for family members only will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 12, in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lexington, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the John Knox Kirk Presbyterian Church, 11430 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.