Betty Jean Mears

Betty Jean Mears, 85, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, surrounded by family at The Cedars, McPherson. 

She was born July 11, 1938, in McPherson, KS, the daughter of Charles Harris Greeley Thomas and Nannie Elgiva (Ruth) Thomas. Betty Jean graduated from McPherson High School and attended The University of Wichita. She worked at Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance, the McPherson County Tag Dept., CertainTeed, and MAPCO.

Betty Jean met Clayton Mears in 1957, and they were married in McPherson on March 2, 1958. The couple continued to live in McPherson and raise their two children, Brad and Sheryl. Betty Jean and Clayton were married for 62 years prior to Clayton’s passing on August 7, 2020.

After retirement, Betty Jean and Clayton enjoyed retirement on Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas, later moving to Rogers, AR, Webb City, MO, and El Dorado, KS. Following Clayton’s passing, Betty Jean moved back to McPherson. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Nannie Thomas, husband Clayton Mears, and siblings Donald Thomas, Dorothy Rainwater, Nelson Thomas, Melvin Thomas, and Marilyn Brucker. 

Betty Jean is survived by her son Brad Mears (Diane) of McPherson, daughter Sheryl Dennett (Mark) of Valley Center, grandchildren David Mears (Erica) of Wichita, Elizabeth Mears of Bel Aire, Matthew Dennett (Raven) of Valley Center, Andrew Dennett (Raegen) of Wichita, and Rachel Drummond (Nate) of Wichita, great-grandchildren Oliver Mears and Houston Mears, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 27, at the funeral home followed by a graveside service at the McPherson Cemetery.

To view a live-stream broadcast of the funeral service, please Click Here

Memorials can be made to The Cedars or Hospice of Reno County in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.