Betty was born on June 5, 1929 in Lone Jack, MO to George K. and Ina May Shawhan. In 1949 she married William H. Deterding, who she met on a blind date. They were married for 55 years, until his death in 2004. Betty retired from ABWA in 1991 after almost 25 years, then began volunteering at Truman Medical Center. Her volunteerism was rewarded at a Royals game in 2012 where she was presented with the Buck O’Neil award. One of her many talents was her beautiful stained glass art which she gifted to friends and family. She also made whimsical cross-stitch pieces and finding room on her sofa, amongst her many stitched pillows, was a family joke.
Betty will also be greatly missed by the many friends she made at The Piano Room and Flo’s, where you could find her on any given night after 5 o'clock. It’s “5 o’clock Somewhere” as she used to say.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, sister Jane Krusor, and granddaughter Courtney Ritter. Betty is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Chronic and MaryKay (Tom) Ritter. She also leaves three grandchildren Beth (Thomas) Barrington, Justin (Meredith) Ritter, Chris (Savana) Ritter and seven great grandchildren.
We will miss you! Thank you for being such a wonderful, loving and supportive mom and grandmother. A private memorial service will be held on Tuesday with a Celebration of Life for friends at a later date.
Our family extends its deepest appreciation to Interim Hospice of Kansas City for their compassion and care during her final days.
Contributions in Betty's memory may be made to Interim Hospice, 10977 Granada Lane, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS, 66211.
