BETTYE JANE DIRKS

Bettye Jane Dirks passed away peacefully on the morning of July 5, 2024, at Providence Hospital. Her last days were spent surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind seven children, a sister, and a host of other family and friends.

Born in 1935 in Paris, Texas, she was the cherished daughter of Luther Brown Sr. and Erma Jean Hood Brown. Growing up in a lively household with six siblings, she developed a deep love for her family.

Bettye attended West Lamar Elementary and graduated from Brally High School. In her youth, she fell in love with Willie Dean Dirks Sr., a love that led her to a new chapter in Kansas. Together, they built a life filled with joy and brought seven wonderful children into the world. Bettye’s love for her family was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a doting grandmother who always placed her family at the heart of everything she did.

Bettye found joy in many simple pleasures: gardening, solving word puzzles, cooking, and watching her favorite soap operas. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, creating countless cherished memories together.

Professionally, Bettye dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked as a Red Topper at Bethany Hospital, at Edwardsville Manor, and finally at Quindaro Elementary School, where she retired. Her commitment to her work reflected her loving and caring nature, traits that shone brightly in all her roles.

She was a passionate and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who adored her family. Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Brown Sr. and Erma Jean Hood Brown; her husband, Willie Dean Dirks Sr.; brothers, Barry Lewis Brown, and Luther Brown Jr.; sisters, Mary Jo Lane, Katherine E. Allen, and Ruth A. Johnson; and grandson Don Stovall.

Bettye is survived by her sister, Geneva Cofield of Compton, CA, and her seven children: Wanda (Harold-deceased) Dirks-Sauls of Kansas City, KS; Robert (Mary) Dirks of Kansas City, KS; Karen Renee Dirks of Kansas City, KS; Willie Dean Dirks Jr. of Kansas City, KS; Michael Dwayne Dirks of Kansas City, KS; Tracy (Darryl) of Kansas City, KS; and Mark (Amy) Dirks of Tecumseh, KS.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Carl Dirks, Harold Sauls Jr, Carla Dirks, Candi Woods, Cardell Dirks, Christopher Dirks, Cynthia  Sauls, Chandra Sauls, Carlton Sauls, Courtney Sauls, Christian Sauls, Chauncey Sauls, April Martinez, Kanesha Dirks, Monica Saah, Niecy Dirks, Nancy Holmes, Natalie Richardson, Marcus Dirks, Kameron Dirks, Jaze Dirks, K'Von Dirks, Akio Woods, Michael C. Dirks, Dominique Dirks, Darryl Morgan Jr., DyShay Morgan, Andrew Schwartz, Michael A. Dirks, Justin Moore, Alaura Moore, and MarDaisha Dirks, Bonus grandchildren: Brittennie Campbell, Capriesse Hayes, Jazalyn Hayes, Sarah, Melinda and Willie Burns Jr., She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward her memory and the love she shared.

Bettye Jane Dirks lived a life filled with love, dedication, and joy. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

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