Betty Jo Kemph

Betty Jo Kemph, 98, of Lefors, passed away on July 14, 2026, at home with her family by her side.

Celebration of life services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Rev. Vondel Stevens, pastor of St. Paul Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Betty was born on March 28, 1928, in Major County, Oklahoma to Eugene and Pearl Koons. She grew up and finished school in Oklahoma. As a young lady, she would meet her true love, Wilbur Kemph, and they would marry on March 30, 1945, in Ringwood, Oklahoma. In this marriage, they raised five children and shared over 71 years before his passing in 2016.

Betty and Wilbur came to Gray County in 1964 and settled in Lefors in 1987. Betty was a longtime member of St. Paul Methodist Church. Betty worked for several years at the Lad and Lassie Children’s Clothing. She was active in Lefors, where she was part of the Lefors Senior Citizen Center and the Lefors Art and Civic Club.

Betty was an artistic and talented woman who loved to oil paint and crochet. But what was most important to her was her family. She was one of the finest cooks you could find, and she always made sure her family had the very best to eat. Betty will be remembered as a funny, joyful, and giving person that her family and friends will deeply miss.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a daughter, Sharyl Darnall; and by eight siblings.

Betty is survived by her children, RJ Kemph and wife Honey of Groom, Janeen Baumgardner and husband Carl of Amarillo, Monte Kemph and wife Marie of Amarillo, and Doug Kemph and wife Cindy of Pampa; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; and by other extended family.

The family would like to extend special thanks to ExcelaCare, Tonya Garza, and Brittany Bridwell for their loving care.