Betty Jane McGrath of Camdenton, Missouri passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after a brief hospitalization at the age of ninety-seven. Arthur and Verna Toothaker’s daughter was born on August 25, 1929, in Wamego, Kansas. Later, after graduating from Wheaton High School as valedictorian in 1947, she attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She then taught in a one-room schoolhouse, grades K-8.

Betty was the oldest of five sisters, two of whom are still living: Ireta Schwant (Bill) of Wheaton, Kansas and Jean Brazell (John) of Wamego, Kansas. Betty was preceded in death by her sisters Ruth (Bud) and Nancy (Galen).

Frank E. McGrath and Betty Toothaker were married on April 24, 1948, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Wheaton, Kansas. To that union, four sons were born: Mike (Val) and Marshall (Michelle), both of Camdenton, Missouri. William and Joseph preceded their mother in death. Betty (Grandma) was blessed to have three grandchildren, Christine Wind (Eric) Tara Leslie (Jeff), and Patrick McGrath (Marci) plus fourteen great-grandchildren.

After Frank passed away in 2004, Betty married Kenneth Olive on June 14, 2014. This union led to three stepchildren: Ken and Sam (Penny) both of Camdenton, Missouri, and Dave (Sharon) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Four step-grandchildren, Sarah (Clint), Jonathan (Molly), Alex (Nidia), and Samantha, plus six additional great-grandchildren also came along.

Betty was a very strong woman who loved to read, was an avid golfer, and really enjoyed being around friends and family. Her Fourth of July parties were legendary. Along with Frank she was a charter member of Lake Valley Country Club, where she took up the game in her late 60s and played until her 90s. She had a very unorthodox, self-taught swing, but she always hit it right down the middle and then told you about it. She was also a magical putter who could make them from anywhere.

She also loved playing cards and various board games and really enjoyed winning, especially if the teams were men versus women. Betty was also a wonderful dancer as she and Frank stole the show at various country club dances.

Betty will be greatly missed by her family, her extended family, her friends, and all those lucky enough to haver called her a friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, September 21, 2026 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time-of-service Monday in the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.