Betty Jean (Kirker) Ireland, 85, of Bosworth, MO suddenly passed into her Lord’s arms Monday, July 28, 2025, at her home after a lengthy illness.
She was born April 13, 1940 to Howard Allan Kirker and Ruby Adale (Dean) Kirker on the farm in Hale, MO.
She graduated from Tina-Avalon High School. Betty also attended Missouri Valley College where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education, specializing in History and Music. She then attended Central Missouri State University and received her Master of Education in Administration. She was a bookkeeper, farmers wife and school teacher/administrator for 29 1/2 years, retiring in 1995 .
Before retiring she taught at Tina- Avalon High school, Wheeling High school, Strasburg Elementary and Crest Ridge Elementary.After retiring she went back to teach Music at Hale high school and subbed in Bosworth High school. She was the Carroll/Saline Baptist Association treasurer and Carroll Baptist Association treasurer and church pianist for several years. She helped at the Grand River Baptist Church camp for many years as a counselor and in the kitchen. Betty was a member of the Daughters of American Revolution where she served several years as the Regent and member of Carroll County Retired Teachers also serving a term as President and was also a member Missouri Retired Teachers. She and Donald were members of RAO and past membersof Carroll County Pork Producers. When Donna and Joyce were young she helped start the Bosworth Fireballs 4-H club. She was a 4-H community leader and judged many 4-H events. She was also a member of Eastern Star. On January 18, 1957 she married Donald Lee Ireland of Dawn, MO.
To this union, 3 children were born. Donna Deane (Michael) Forrest, Joyce Jean (Steven) Bell and Donald Lee (Kimberly Duncan) Ireland, Jr. and raised a nephew Clifford Franklin Ireland, Jr. and foster child Justin (Amber) Daniels.
When the family was involved in any type of event she never missed it. Cheering on her children and grandchildren. She was so very proud of all her children, grand children and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter and husband Donna and Mike Forrest, Bosworth, son-in-law Steven A. Bell, Bosworth, and son and daughter- in- law Donnie and Kim Ireland of Mound City, Frank Ireland of Ellensburg, WA. and foster son Justin (Amber) Daniels, Meadville.
She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, whom she was very proud of: Brad (AshLea) Forrest, Aaron (Megan) Bell, Jeremy (Carrie) Forrest, Nick Bell and fiancé’ Brooke Phillips, Randy Forrest, Drew (Taylor) Ireland and Sydney Ireland. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren – Emily Bell, Gage Bell, Hailey Forrest, Avery Forrest, Austin Forrest, Briley Forrest, Joshua Ireland, Keaton Bell, Madison Ireland, Morgan Ireland, Samuel Ireland, EmmittForrest, Roger Forrest, and Stella Forrest.
She is also survived by her sister, June Standley of Lee’s Summit, a sister-in-law Betty Sue Ireland of Bosworth, MO and brother-in-law Jim Mickelberry of Kansas City, MO. Also a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Donald Ireland, parents, Ruby and Allan Kirker. Her daughter, Joyce Bell, granddaughter Megan Bell and great grandson Aiden Bell. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Joan Mickelberry and brother-in-law Dewey Standley.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Bittiker Funeral Home in Carrollton, with visitation on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.at the Funeral home. Burial will be in Big Creek Cemetery at Bosworth.
Memorials can be made to the Big Creek Cemetery, Coloma Baptist Church or the American Heart Association and may be left at the funeral home.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
