Betty Jo Keck, 78, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 21, 1947, in Salina, Kansas, Betty was the daughter of Donald Lee Clark and Mary Maxine (Willis). From an early age, she carried a quiet strength and a deep love for caring for others—qualities that guided her throughout her life.

Betty dedicated more than 25 years to pediatric nursing. First at Salina Regional Health Center in the nursery and then working alongside Dr. William Null at the Salina Clinic. She then worked with Dr. Matt Shaffer offering gentle, steady care to countless families until her retirement.

Her compassion extended beyond people to the animals she adored. As a volunteer with Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter, Betty was a loyal advocate for dogs and a loving presence to every animal she met.

In recent years, Betty found renewed comfort in her faith, reaffirming her Catholic beliefs at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Gardner, Kansas, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Family was the heart of her world. She rarely missed a grandchild’s game or event, cheering them on with pride. Creative at her core, Betty found joy in wood burning, painting, crafting, and embroidery—her hands always busy making something beautiful.

Betty is survived by her children: Tracy Springer (Eric) of Gardner, Kansas; Anne Walker (Brian) of Gardner, Kansas; Jenny Johnson-Hall (Andrew) of Salina, Kansas; Kari Keck of Salina, Kansas; and Casey Keck (Jessica) of Shawnee, Kansas.

She leaves behind her grandchildren—Matthew Springer, Caden Springer, Lane Johnson (Madison Taylor), Aidan Nolte, Landon Johnson (Emilee Blythe), Chase Walker (Cayleb Pollock), Alex Walker, and Oliva Hall—and her great‑grandchildren, Brimleigh Todd and Baylor Springer. She is also remembered with love by many nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her siblings, Mary Wilcox, Ronald Clark, Becky Chambers (Mike), Richard Duncan, and Debbie Wheat.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Walter Koberstein; husband, Michael T. Keck; her lifelong friend, Kenneth Kloc; brother, John Parson; sister‑in‑law, Vicki Clark; and son-in-law, Jeramia “JJ” Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with a time to be announced.

The family requests donations be made to Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 555 W Main St. in Gardner, Kansas 66030 in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.