Betty Jean Ream

Betty Jean (Lindsey) Ream (BJ), 72, of Sedalia, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at St. Luke's East Hospital in Lee's Summit, Missouri. She was born on August 9, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of James Monroe Lindsey and Edna (Britt) Lindsey, who preceded her in death.

She was raised with her younger sister Nancy on a farm in Northeast Missouri. She always said her dad didn't have any boys, so he did the best he could with what he had, so she was taught how to hunt and fish at a young age and enjoyed it all her life. From a young age, she saw conservation agents come to her mom and dad's home, sit at the kitchen table, drink coffee, and tell their stories, which thrilled her. She couldn't imagine a better job.

She graduated from high school and attended Northeast Missouri State University, now known as Truman State University. She graduated with a degree in Biology and Education, but unfortunately, conservation agent careers were not open to women. She became a teacher at Crocker, MO, and enjoyed four years there.

One day, her mom called and said, " You gotta hear this, now taking applications for conservation agent class to begin this summer, equal opportunity employer." She applied, and after months of waiting and praying, she was accepted into the program. She became a conservation agent and was assigned to Pettis County in December 1980. She has always appreciated the people of Pettis County for accepting her as an agent and friend (at least most of them).

It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Lawrence P. Ream. They were married on August 16, 1986, in Newark, MO, and to this union was born her beloved daughter, Lindsey Ream Reynolds (Duncan), and later the two lights of her life, Abigail and Peregrin Reynolds.

Besides her husband, Lawrence Ream, BJ is survived by her daughter, Lindsey Reynolds; her son-in-law, Duncan Reynolds; her granddaughter, Abigail Reynolds; and her grandson, Peregrin Reynolds.

Besides her parents, BJ is preceded in death by her sister, Nancy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Jason Kindle officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

The burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Honorary bearers will be Connie Koch, Pamela and Rick Haskell, Jay Brookhart, Randy Lindsey, Justin Parrish, and Treda Moyer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nancy Lee Lindsey Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Truman University, Kirksville, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.