Betty Jo Gillen

Betty Jo Gillen, of Greenfield, Missouri, departed this life on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility in Lockwood, Missouri, at the age of 94.

She was born on February 20, 1928 near Neola, Missouri, to Orville B. and Bertha (Lollar) McGuire. Betty was united in marriage to Dean Gillen on June 29, 1947 at the home of Brother Tom Proctor in Greenfield.

They made their home in Lockwood, Missouri, for a few years, then moved to Waterloo, Iowa. Betty worked for Westside Maid-Rite Café until moving back to a farm west of Arcola where they farmed and milked cows until 1955, then they moved to Greenfield. Betty worked for her folks at the Village Inn Restaurant, Stocker Propane Service for 32 years, Gillen’s Drive-In, and Mom’s Kountry Kitchen. She also volunteered as a foster grandparent at Head Start. Betty belonged to Eastern Star and was a member of the Greenfield Christian Church. She enjoyed going to the Senior Center for the fellowship and the good meals. Betty was kind and fun loving person, who enjoyed laughter.

Betty was a loving mother, and deeply loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved being with her family and friends, and also her little friends and staff at Head Start.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Orville and Bertha McGuire; her husband, Dean Gillen; one sister, Alice Butler; two brothers-in-law, Bob Butler and Scotty Tella; one precious granddaughter, Stacey Boyd; and one grandson, Henry Morschheimer.

Survivors include two sons, Donald W. Gillen of Greenfield, Missouri and Mark A. Gillen and his wife, Vicki of Greenfield, Missouri; one sister, Lois Tella of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers, Harold McGuire and wife, Marquettia of Gadsden, Alabama and Larry McGuire and wife, Judy of Greenfield, Missouri; eight grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Gum Springs Cemetery. The family received friends on Monday from 11 a.m. until 12 noon at Greenfield Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dade County Senior Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services were under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.