Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Obituary - Betty Jo Wise


Betty Jo (Adams) Wise, peacefully passed away on April 12, 2026, in Louisburg, Kansas. She was born on August 30, 1929, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, and her community. Her legacy of love and service will remain a guiding light to all who knew her.

A graduate of Louisburg Rural High School’s class of 1947, Betty continued her education at Pitt State Teachers College for a year before being called back to Louisburg during the war to serve as a teacher at a one-room schoolhouse. Her dedication to education and her community laid a foundation for the many roles she would embrace throughout her life.

On May 2, 1948, Betty married Dale Wise in Louisburg. Together, they were instrumental in founding the Louisburg Assembly of God Church as well as the Louisburg Baptist Temple, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy within their community.

Professionally, Betty was the owner and operator of her own salon for many years, where she was known not only for her skill as a hairdresser but also for her warmth and care toward her clients. A homemaker at heart, she cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, consistently placing her faith in Christ first and foremost.

Her life was enriched by diverse interests and talents. Betty was an avid collector of antique dolls, traveling across the state to attend doll shows. She found joy in playing the organ both at church and around town, as well as restoring antique furniture and sewing. A passionate reader, she also delighted in cooking for her family, especially during the holidays, creating treasured memories and traditions.

Betty is survived by her children, Mara Dona (Greg) Wood and Sid (Charlene) Wise; grandchildren Kristin (Mitch Metcalf) Stankiewicz, Matthew (Catherine) Wood, Sarah (Ben) Karpinski, Erin (Derek) Williamson, Lynsey (Ryan) Atkinson, Ashley (Dan) DeGrush, Brad (Dani) Heise; and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members carry forward her memory and the warmth she imparted.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph and Audrey (Norton) Adams; her husband, Dale Wise; her daughters, Kathe Justice and Paula Heise, brothers, John and Don Adams.

On behalf of Sid, Charlene, Mara Dona, Greg, and the entire family, would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Homestead Senior Living and Ascend Hospice for their loving and compassionate care for Betty.

Funeral services were held April 21, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg Chapel with burial at the Louisburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the Agape Food Pantry or Louisburg Baptist Temple, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, KS 66053.

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