Betty D. Gassen, 84, of Higginsville, passed away Monday, July 16, 2012, at her home.

Betty was born Sunday, Oct. 2, 1927 to Fred Thomas and Gertrude (Pangborn) Archer of Dover. She was raised in Lexington by her grandparents WO and Belle Pangborn.

Betty married Marion Gassen of Higginsville on Dec 17, 1955 in Marshall. They lived in Higginsville, where she was an active Girl Scout leader, secretary for Branson Trucking, Odessa Shoe Factory and the Higginsville Garment Factory until its closure in 1982. Marion and Betty moved to Lincoln where they owned and operated Lincoln Heights Package and Liquors for six years. Betty and Marion were both active remembers of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Lincoln and the Moose Lodge in Lexington. They lived in Lincoln until 2003, when they returned to Higginsville. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Higginsville.

Betty is survived by her children, Vern (Kathleen) Gassen and Brenda Gassen of Higginsville; grandchilren: Allen (Angela) Gassen of Olathe, Kan., Holly (Jamale) Wilcox of Warrensburg, Thomas (Lacey) Gray of Higginsville and Kerri Gray of Odessa; and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial services and internment for both Marion and Betty Gassen will be held Wednesday, Aug 1, at 1 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Higginsville. Full Military Honors, Dr. Greg Fine officiating and vocals by Dennis Million.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at Marion and Betty's home, in accordance with their wishes, following the funeral. Family and friends are welcome from 2-5 p.m. at 2004 Peach St. in Higginsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Crossroads Hospice, 9237 Ward Parkway, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114.

(Taken from THE HIGGINSVILLE ADVANCE, Wed, July 25, 2012, page 6.)