Betty Jo Kennedy

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the gates of Heaven swung wide with great cheering as Betty Jo Kennedy (101 y) breathed her first breath in Glory and met her Savior face to face (1 Cor. 13:12). The multitude of loved ones who went before her, joined by those forever changed by her testimony, would make a glorious sight to behold. “Well done, good and faithful servant” must have echoed for all to hear, and on this side of heaven, we could almost hear it too as we gathered near to walk her home. Betty Jo was kind, fun-loving, a true lady, a generous woman, and above all, a woman of faith. She prayed every night for her family, friends, and others. Betty Jo was born in Lindsey, Oklahoma, to Gerald Sherman and Buelah Dowdy on August 18, 1924. Her father was a Methodist pastor and, as she grew up, she became his pianist, a talent we all loved as she filled a room with sacred hymns and beautiful music. She was an accomplished pianist. Her brother’s friend, Bob, noticed her and, determined to get her attention, decided to read her diary through a megaphone while cruising the avenue. This was a unique and brilliant method to win the girl, and we can’t say otherwise because he married her on July 16 and 17, 1943. They each shared their vows around midnight, one on one side of it, the other on the other side. Shortly after getting married, he flew off to fight in WWII. They had two beautiful children, Sherlia and Robert. Their family enjoyed many adventures together on weekends—hunting, fishing, picnics, attending church, and whatever else they could think of doing. Betty and Bob owned a small family grocery store in Prague, OK and later, after selling it, Betty became an executive secretary for Boise Cascade and was able to transfer to a new office with each move west across the United States until they finally settled in Washington. Betty and Bob retired early from their corporate jobs to one full-time job of being orchardists when they were 50. They would work from dawn to dusk. They were such a site to behold, him in his trusted and tattered coveralls and his beautiful wife in her ironed outfits, driving the tractor while helping haul irrigation pipes, working with the pickers or counting bins. They worked side by side, laughing, holding hands, praying and finding joy in being together. In their later years, they continued to hold hands as they walked their long driveway to pick up the mail, get the newspaper, or tinker in the shop. Where one was, the other was too. They were lovebirds for over 72 years, and we were blessed to be front row to witness it. They were the best parents, attentive grandparents, thrilled to become GREAT grandparents and slightly shocked to become GREAT GREAT grandparents and praised God for all of us. Betty loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and would want us to share with you that we are confident of this (Phil. 1:6), we will see her again thanks to the saving grace of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, death, burial, and resurrection. No one gets to heaven without Jesus – He is the only way (John 14:6). No one is good enough or will work their way there. Jesus is the only way. She loved and served Him faithfully while she gave Him glory for everything. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Kennedy, in 2016 and her loved son, Robert Kennedy Jr., her two brothers, and her sister. She is survived by her much loved daughter, Sherlia (Cliff) Larson; 3 grandchildren, Shelli (Lou) Schlotfeldt, Robert Kennedy III, and Jerry (Celena) Larson; 7 great grandchildren, Paul (Mollie) DeKorte, Taylor Larson, Josh (Mavis) DeKorte, Audrey Larson, Morgan (Daniel) Dobbins, Rosten Kennedy, and Jia Kennedy; 3 step great grandchildren, John (Sally) Schott, Matt (Emma) Schott, Beth (Zach) Parker, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Betty’s service will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11 am at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Bob Bauer. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Betty Jo Kennedy

August 18, 1924 - December 4, 2025