Betty Ann Thiessen

Betty Ann (McCormick) Thiessen passed away on February 15, 2026 at the age of 96. She and Edwin W. Thiessen, who preceded her in death, were long-time residents of Independence. Betty was living in Clinton, MO, near her daughter Pamela, at the time of her death.

Betty was born November 14, 1929, a twin, in Galena, KS, to Mabel Clair Martin and William Thomas McCormick. Her twin brother lived only a few hours since they were two months premature. She was preceded in death by two brothers: Gerald McCormick (Billie) and Eugene McCormick (Oralee) and two sisters, Billie Smith (Paul) and Janet Mae Eads (Fritz).

Betty attended school in Galena and Independence and worked at the Beldorf Theater in Independence after High School.

Betty and Ed were married on July 3, 1949, in Independence. They raised three children in Independence: Sharon K. (Bob) Lewis, Gary L. (Shirley) Thiessen, and Pamela J. Tindle (Mike Long). Betty worked as assistant librarian at Washington Grade School for ten years. She loved to read, cook, and was an active member in Friday Study Club and Methodist Women’s Groups. Betty and Ed attended First United Methodist Church and Grace Memorial Methodist Church.

They were married over 70 years and Ed worked at ARCO for 35 of those years before retirement. After retirement, they loved to travel and play golf. They also loved to spend time with their family.

Grandchildren include: Brent R. Lewis, Lindsay B. Schertzer (David),Tiffany L. Dawson (Peter), Ashley R. Wright (Adam), Denise L. Wood (Jerry), Danielle R. Kellar (Phillip), and Deanna E. Terry (David). Betty also had twelve wonderful great-grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday February 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Webb & Rodrick Chapel.