Betty C. Wendt

Betty C. Wendt, 103, of Houstonia, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia, Missouri. She was born September 12, 1922, in Lakeview, Texas, the daughter of Iris E. McMurry and Hattye L. (Steenson) McMurry, who preceded her in death.

On March 21, 1942, Betty was united in marriage to Thomas H. Boulware, who preceded her in death on September 5, 1980. She later married Judge J. Higgins, who preceded her in death in June 1979. Following his passing, she was united in marriage to Charles S. Wendt, who preceded her in death on March 15, 2006.

Betty was a proud graduate of Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, Class of 1940. Over the years, she made her home in Texas, Arkansas, St. Joseph, Kansas City, Houstonia, and most recently Sedalia. She was employed at Swift's in St. Joseph and worked as a bookkeeper at Higgins' Farm Supply in Maryville and St. Joseph. Betty was a faithful member of several congregations through the years, including Frederick United Methodist Church, Houstonia Community Church, and most recently First United Methodist Church of Sedalia. She enjoyed big band music, dancing, cooking, and, most of all, visiting with family and friends.

Betty is survived by five children, Diann Powell (Roger) of Springfield, Missouri, Gary Boulware of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Ronald Higgins (Linda) of Houstonia, Missouri, Cindy Wendt (Steve Fehr) of Leawood, Kansas, and Becky Wendt of Kansas City, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Charlene Musser of St. Joseph, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and her three husbands, Betty was preceded in death by two sons, Terry Boulware and Donald Higgins; a daughter, Penny Berger; a brother, Tom McMurry; a sister, Benny Montemore; a granddaughter, Renee Wammack; two great-grandsons, Nicholas Melvin and Alec Kavanaugh; and a daughter-in-law, Karen Boulware.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Sedalia, with Pastor Candace Fowler officiating. Burial will follow at Houstonia Cemetery, Houstonia, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Lee Thomas, Matthew Tenner, Jeremiah Shull, Phillip Musser, Barry Musser, and Byron Musser. Honorary bearers will be Chandler Wammack, Jack Bigos, and Reed Jones.

Memorial contributions may be made to Show-Me Christian Youth Home or First United Methodist Church, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.