The Richmond News, Jan. 27, 2023

Betty Daniel

Betty Ann Daniel, 96, of Richmond died peacefully, surrounded by family members, on Jan. 18, 2023, also her 75th wedding anniversary, at Oak Ridge Adult Living Facility in Richmond. Betty was born June 19, 1926, in Ray County, just north of Richmond, to David Kell and Lillian (Wall) Bryant. She married Robert E. Daniel of Elmira on Jan. 18, 1948. Survivors include: two sons, Dale (Katy) Daniel and Darrin (Cherie) Daniel, both of Richmond; three grandchildren, Tyler Daniel, Lauren Daniel and Bradley (Katie) Daniel; and one great-grandchild, Ronan, with a sibling on the way; and nieces, Cathy (Mike) Habermehl, Ellen Macdonald and Laura Baker.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband Robert; her brothers, Don Bryant and Jack Bryant; her sisters, Emily Hunt and Jean Bengston; her son, David Daniel; and her infant baby.

Betty graduated in 1944 from Richmond High School. She began working at the Exchange Bank of Richmond during high school as a teller and later as the secretary for W.F. Yates from 1943 to 1950. While Bob served in Japan during the Korean Conflict, Betty worked at Lake City Arsenal until 1952.

She spent many years making a home for Bob and the boys, then entered the workforce again in 1976 at City Hall in the Collector’s Office, then returned to the Exchange Bank from 1978 until 1982. She later worked as a volunteer at the Ray County Memorial Hospital.

Betty and Bob were active members of the Richmond United Methodist Church. Betty loved the sight of the church decorated for Christmas and took part every year in the hanging of the greens. She loved and befriended many at the church and was grateful when several of the ladies joined her in the “Methodist Hallway” at Oak Ridge. She enjoyed her time at Oak Ridge, as she showed her skills at King’s Corners and any other game placed before her.

She also loved to work crossword and word search puzzles and will always be known as the queen of Scrabble to her family. Her strong attention to detail and love for taking notes meant that, if there was ever a question about any event in the daily life of the family, she most likely wrote it down.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond United Methodist Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Richmond United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11.

Inurnment will be at a later date in the Richmond Cemetery.

Please share your memories of Betty with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.