Betsy Ann (Saling) Spiwak

Betsy Ann (Saling) Spiwak departed on her journey to heaven from the family farm in Kingsville on Wednesday December 17, 2014 surrounded by the love of family. Betsy was born in Oak Grove, Missouri on January 8, 1935; the first of eight children and the only daughter of Jack and Myrtle (Greer) Saling. Betsy was united in marriage to Chester Spiwak on June 8, 1950 and they moved to their family farm in Kingsville in 1954. They owned and operated a Grade A dairy servicing Mid-America Dairy Farms until 1989. Betsy was a Christian who spread the word of God's glory by transplanting seeds and saplings and harvesting the bounties of the vegetation. You don't have to look very far to find a plant or tree that Betsy transplanted because she refused to ever waste a seed and she was always willing to share her seeds and saplings. Betsy's motto was "If God gives it to you; you need to do something with it". And that she did. Betsy loved to bake and was always creating new masterpieces in her oven that were simply amazing. She also loved to sew and used her creative talents to make various types of crafts that ranged from handmade photo albums to place mats and table cloths. As you can see, this lady's hands never rested during her lifetime. In addition to farming, Betsy also worked at the Stahl's Foundry kitchen until her retirement in January 2000. During her lifetime, she also worked at the sewing factories in Holden and Pleasant Hill. Betsy earned her GED after starting her family and also graduated as a Certified Nursing Assistant from the Harrisonville Vocational Technical School. Betsy was known as "Cookie Grandma" to many of the children that grew up and played ball at the Kingsville ballpark during the 90's and early 2000's. She was always there to give the team cookies to celebrate a win or to console them in a loss. Either way, they were all winners when they got to eat grandma's cookies. Betsy is survived by her husband of 64 years, Chester Spiwak of the home; 5 children Wanda (Mark) Swigert of Hermitage, MO; Richard (Linda) Spiwak Harrah, OK; Danny (Debbie) Spiwak, Tammy (James) Aldridge, and David Spiwak all of Kingsville. 9 Grandchildren: Stacy (Jim) Cleveland, Shaun (Jess) Steward, Christopher (Alisha) Spiwak, Dustin (Jessica) Spiwak, Clifton (Emily) Spiwak, Alisha (Rodney) Eikelboom, Ashley (Jared) Struzick, Aaron Aldridge, Brian Aldridge. 14 great-grandchildren: Bethany and Savannah Cleveland; Ethan and Isaac Spiwak; Finix and Bella Spiwak; Austin, Abby, and Addy Eikelboom; Kendall Spiwak; Kaycee, Kylie, Shane, and Meredith Struzyck. Betsy is survived by 5 brothers Larry (Linda) Saling, Kaufman, Texas, Charles (Telane) Saling, Lee's Summit, MO, Marty (Debbie) Saling, Garland, Texas, Paul (Becky) Saling, Jefferson City, MO, Kenneth (Pam) Saling, Jefferson City, MO. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Stevie, and brothers Jack Saling and Jerry Saling. Betsy was an amazing lady that touched the hearts of many and inspired those around her because she had a loving nature that made people feel"at home" the moment they met her. She never shied away from hard work or a challenge. Her legacy will live on in all of us that were blessed to know her. Funeral Services were held Saturday December 20, 2014 under the direction of Ben Cast Funeral Home, Holden, Missouri with visitation at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am. Interment at Holden Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Johnson County Missouri Hospice through the funeral home .

Betsy Ann (Saling) Spiwak

January 8, 1935 - December 17, 2014