Martha Severson

Martha Anne Elizabeth Severson, age 80 passed away peacefully at her home in Mission, KS on January 21, 2012 after an extended battle with pulmonary disease. Known as Betty to her friends and family, she was a devoted wife and mother, raising three children. She was born at home on November 3, 1931 in New Gretna, NJ to Dorothy and Talbert McAnney. She graduated from Tuckerton High School (New Jersey) in 1949 and went on to work as receptionist for a local real estate company. While out with friends in Atlantic City, she met her future husband Ensign Wayne E. Severson at the Senator Bar. They married on December 16, 1950 in Betty's childhood home. As a young naval couple Wayne and Betty moved several times first to Pensacola, FL then to Kansas City and back to New Jersey in 1960. In 1966, Wayne's job as a pilot with TWA returned the family back to Kansas City. This would be their permanent home for the next 46 years. Betty was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed cooking, playing Bridge and the piano and traveling to many places around the world. She was deeply loved by her family. In addition to her husband, Betty is survived by son Wayne R. Severson, daughter Cory Hudson, son Len Severson (Melissa) and grand-daughter Christina Hudson. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service honoring her life at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel on January 25, 2012 @ 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Heartland SPCA, 9800 W. 67th Street, Merriam, KS 66203, 816-333-7387.

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