Betsy Jo Paradies (Achten)

Betsy Jo Paradies (Achten) of Lawrence, KS, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away December 22, 2024, at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. She was surrounded by those she loved most, her family, at the time she passed.

Betsy was born July 18, 1959, in Sabetha, KS, the daughter of Robert and Alice “Toni” (Marson) Achten. She married Jay Paradies on February 21, 1981, in Topeka, KS. Together they had two children, Rachel (William) Byrn and Christopher (Mariah Whitmore) Paradies. All survive.

Other survivors include her brother, Curtis (Christina) Achten, sister, Melanie Manry, six grandchildren, Cali (Dominic Visentin) Byrn, Ryan Byrn, Kaydee Byrn, Kendall Byrn, Theadora Paradies, and Graham Paradies, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents.

Betsy loved to garden, grew her own herbs and vegetables, and made the best brisket you’ve ever had. She retired in July from Hallmark Cards after 45 years. She saw the best in everyone and every situation, was an avid sports fan, and hosted every holiday dinner. Above all, she loved her family, attending every concert, school music program, and game for her children and grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Betsy’s name to Midwest Transplant Network and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

26 Condolences

  1. Rod and Diana Pringle on December 31, 2024 at 6:36 pm

    Jay and Family, so sorry to hear this. The world lost a good person



  2. Shannon Rumford on December 31, 2024 at 6:48 pm

    Betsy was an amazing person with the best personality. She was so feisty. I loved talking with her when I worked at Hallmark. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was truly the best♥️



  3. Scott Jameson on December 31, 2024 at 8:10 pm

    To Jay & Family, My Deepest Condolences, so sorry for your loss.



  4. Jolene & Bobbie Brown on December 31, 2024 at 8:26 pm

    To Jay and family Betsey will definitely be missed. She was a “one of a kind” and loved working with her. She could brighten a glumey day and make the sun shine. We’re so sorry to hear about this. May she peacefully rest.



  5. Mike and Claudia Jones on December 31, 2024 at 8:54 pm

    Jay and family we were saddened to hear of Betsy’s passing. She was such an awesome lady and will be greatly missed.



  6. Kathe Benschoter Clark on January 1, 2025 at 8:21 am

    Heartfelt sympathy to Jay and family. Betsy was a friend to all she met. I will miss her smile, laughter and sense of humor. Gone too soon, but a life well lived. Prayers for the family as you grieve her loss.



  7. Tracy Dethloff on January 1, 2025 at 8:54 am

    Nice Obituary, but failed to mention(in the words of Gomer) she could feed the world at Jay and Betsy’s Fourth of July parties! Also her beauty was such that it nearly started a fight at a Royals game. Only person I knew that could drink quarts of Cold Duck in one sitting. And also the only person a side from her entire family that I knew from God’s Country. I loved Betsy. Great memories.



  8. Donald King III on January 1, 2025 at 10:16 am

    Jay, words cannot express how we felt upon hearing of the untimely loss of your beloved wife of four-plus decades, Betsey. Just know that we are thinking about and praying for you and your family during this heartbreaking time. We love you cuz.



  9. Alan and Yvonne Garcia on January 1, 2025 at 1:45 pm

    Jay, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.



  10. Eugenia L LeRoux on January 1, 2025 at 6:19 pm

    Jay and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. When I worked at Hallmark, Betsy, was always a pleasure to work with. May she rest in peace.
    Genia LaDuke-LeRoux



  11. Joni Lawrence on January 1, 2025 at 7:35 pm

    Jay, Rachel, and Christopher I am so sorry to hear about Betsy. She was such a positive vibrant person. I loved running into her from time to time as she always delighted in giving me updates about you and of course her grands. May you find comfort and peace in this most difficult time.



  12. Cheryl J Spencer on January 1, 2025 at 8:20 pm

    My heart goes out to all of you. Betsy will be missed. May all of your good memories bring you some comfort. Hugs and prayers to you all.



  13. Tom & Vicki Ramirez on January 1, 2025 at 9:06 pm

    Our prayers go out to Jay. and the whole family She will be dearley missed. With Betsie & Jay at family outing she said she was Ramirez!!!



  14. Sheri Holladay on January 1, 2025 at 9:23 pm

    My prayers go out to you and your family Jay. Betsey was such a joy to talk to and work with. She will be missed by so many co-workers that she helped throughout the years. May God be with you during this time of sorrow. She loved each of you so much!



  15. Mary Jane and Orville Church on January 1, 2025 at 10:40 pm

    So sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many.



  16. Sandy Davis on January 2, 2025 at 12:24 am

    So sorry for your loss. Betsy had a smile that would brighten your day. She was a wonderful person. She will be missed.



  17. Tracy Rose on January 2, 2025 at 8:08 am

    Jay and Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Words can hardly express the sorrow and pain that comes with such a difficult time. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family, and I hope you find strength and comfort in the cherished memories you shared with Betsy. May her spirit live on in your hearts, and may you find peace in knowing that Betsy’s love will always remain. I am a better person for knowing her. She was always a bright spot. Fly high my friend. You made the world a better place.



  18. Diana & Bruce Sauer on January 2, 2025 at 8:33 am

    Jay and family, so sorry for the loss of Betsy. She was a wonderful person. Like every one else says, she always had a big smile for everyone. She will be missed.



  19. Jeff and Rhonda Noll on January 2, 2025 at 9:48 am

    Jay and family, I am deeply so sorry for your loss. So saddened by this. Betsy was such a wonderful person. Many hugs and prayers.



  20. Marilyn Morriss on January 3, 2025 at 8:21 am

    Jay and family so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all.



  21. Marilyn Blevins on January 3, 2025 at 9:44 am

    Jay Rachel and Christopher
    So sorry for your loss of Betsy she was a
    Very special lady. She will be missed by
    everyone who knew her. You are in my
    thoughts and prayers. Hugs and love to all of you.
    Grandma B



  22. Roxanne Dankenbring on January 3, 2025 at 9:57 am

    Jay and Family I am so sorry I worked with her. She was a wonderful person and fun. She helped me out so much at work.I just can’t believe this and right before Christmas My heart and soul are with you.



  23. Michele Simpson on January 3, 2025 at 9:59 am

    Jay and family I am so sorry for your loss. Hold on to all your memories, they will comfort you.



  24. Kaci and Jeremy Haney on January 3, 2025 at 12:38 pm

    Jay, Rachel, and Christopher, our hearts are absolutely broken. Betsy was such an amazing person. She loved everyone she met and welcomed every new person into her family. No one was a friend, always part of her family. She is going to be missed by so many. May you all find peace in knowing all of the people she has since helped. We love you all!



  25. Richard Squires on January 3, 2025 at 1:44 pm

    Only met Betty once, while I was visiting her brother Curtis and wife Christina on a trip to Kansas many years ago.

    She was a wonderful lady who truly loved her family and welcomed me with open arms. She will be missed dearly!

    My condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.

    Rest In Peace!

    Richard Squires
    Vancouver, British Columbia



  26. Reuben Turner on January 3, 2025 at 7:08 pm

    My condolences.



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