Longtime Blue Springs High School teacher Betsy Jean Hall died of heart disease on April 13th at her home in Blue Springs. She was 84. Hall was born January 21, 1938 at Edinburg, Texas to Hellen (cq) and Gene Hall, after her parents moved to south Texas in a Model T.
She graduated from Pan American College (now University of Texas-Pan American) in Edinburg, where her father was the city manager, before joining the staff of Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton. She was proud to have represented her district many times.
She had a lifelong interest in government and history, her maternal great-grandfather Henry Kirchner emigrated from Germany in 1853 and enlisted in the Union Army. He was wounded but saw Gen. Lee surrender to Gen. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse to end the Civil War.
Betsy attended the original one room school house Old Blue Springs in her youth, and happily played a part in the relocation and restoration of the school.
She taught government at Blue Springs High School from 1961 to 1991, when she retired from full time teaching. She subsequently returned part time to teach a self-developed Future Teacher Cadet program with the high school, and then retired from part time teaching in 2014. She was a tough but devoted teacher to her students, many who maintained ties with her long after leaving school and visited her often.
Betsy obtained a Masters in Criminal Justice later in life, and worked for the local police department, worked as a paralegal, and was a lifelong staunch Democrat actively involved in local, county, state and federal election campaigns. She was actively involved with the VFW and Auxiliary.
Betsy had many passions in life, which included her Texas heritage but not its politics, the University of Texas Longhorns, the KC Chiefs, and a love of NASCAR and fan of Tony Stewart later in life. She collected miniature furniture and collectibles, teddy bears, dolls, and lighthouses. She obtained a black belt in karate as well. Her strongest love was for her many dogs, mostly beagles. She was never without a pup or two.
She was preceded in death by her parents; aunt, Betsy Kough Holt and uncle, Ben Kough Sr., and cousin, Bette Jean Kough Noble. She is survived by cousins, Belinda Kough Mank, Ben Kough Jr., Barry Kough, and her last dog, Kirby. She is fondly remembered by many, many friends and colleagues throughout Jackson County.
There will be a celebration of her life on Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at VFW Post 6603, 1104 West Main Street, Blue Springs. Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs has been entrusted with arrangements. Memories of Betsy and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Miss Betsy was the best teacher ever and a great person and friend. She was a fantastic race fan. She will be missed by all. RIP Miss Betsy.
What a character. Miss Betsy was the best. She was more than just a teacher. A mentor and dear friend to all who knew her. She will never be forgotten by any student who ever had the good fortune to be in one of her classes. I was fortunate enough to be in more than one. God Bless You, Miss Betsy. You are missed.
Miss Betsy was a great teacher and wonderful person. She was one of a few teachers who inspired me to go into education. She was a credit to the profession. She was caring, had a sense of humor, but also took her calling seriously. Nothing but fond memories of her.
Miss Betsy was an amazing teacher. She will forever be remembered and talked about by those of us who were blessed to be her students. Rest In Peace.
Always my favorite teacher, schools need teachers like her today. I think she gave all of us something to take with us and pass on. Life lessons.
Miss Betsy was one of my favorite teachers. She had a passion for her profession and truly cared for the academic wee being of her students. Thank you Miss Betsy for always challenging me. You are now truly up there with the cherubs,. Which is what she always referred to her students as.
Miss Betsy, an icon in the district, with students, and teachers.
Couldn’t ask for a more devoted person to the love of teaching. Honored to have known her.
ahhhh, Miss Betsy! What an inspiration to so many. This special lady was the epitome of what a teacher should be. We were so blessed to have so many exemplary teachers those years in Blue Springs – and Miss Betsy was one of the very best! God’s Speed, good lady!
I’ve never forgotten the mentorship and kindness of Miss Betsy during my years of teaching at BSHS. She was truly a great educator who inspired generations of students. She was everyone’s favorite teacher. Her legacy endures in the hearts of her students and colleagues.
When l graduated in 1963, Miss Betsy was my physical education teacher and GAA sponsor. I remember her kindness and laughing eyes.
RIP Miss Betsy ❤️
Miss Betsy inspired me to pursue all in life that I could achieve. She cared deeply for her students total well being. She was caring , but held you accountable to do your best or she would let you know you could do better. As a teacher, I used caring, compassion and high expectations of my students.Miss Betsy was a true role
model for all. Love you, Miss Betsy. 🥰
Miss Betsy was a great teacher..and will be missed. RIP Miss Betsy Danielle Brown
I just learned of Miss Betsy’s “graduation” if you will…so sorry to hear and that I missed her memorial service. To her family and friends: she was simply a wonderful human being and teacher. She was very no-nonsense but as someone else alluded, there was always a twinkle in her eyes. She was very passionate about teaching, and kept our rapt attention in the PoliSci and gov’t classes I took while at BSHS. Not many teachers can claim that distinction; we certainly had some great ones and Miss Betsy exemplified the best qualities in her profession, day in and day out, year after year. What a gift she was to all of us lucky enough to take her classes. Godspeed on your journey, Miss Betsy. Thank you for being you.