1929-2026
Betty Jo (Suiter) Gilkison was born December 24, 1929, in Belpre, Kansas to Ernest and Pauline Suiter. Betty Jo had one brother, Bud Suiter, and one sister, Dorothy Reid. Betty Jo graduated from Macksville High School and attended Kansas University. While attending Kansas University she met and married Paul Gilkison. They were married for 75 years and had three children. Betty Jo was a pianist and organist and gave private lessons as well as directing various church choirs. While her husband was serving as a University Professor, she was honored by being selected as the Faculty Wives President at Kansas State University, Bradley University, Southern Colorado University and Washburn University. She was a member of P.E.O., an avid bridge player and golfer and a member of the Kansas Women’s Golf Association Board. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and loyal Kansas University supporter. At the time of her death, she was residing at Aberdeen Retirement Village in Olathe Kansas. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, and daughter Janet Jo Gilkison. She is survived by her son David Gilkison and wife Bettee of Manhattan, Kansas, son Kevin Gilkison of Lenexa, Kansas, two grandsons Chad Gilkison and wife Melissa of Centennial Colorado., and Todd Gilkison and wife Amy of Great Bend Kansas. Five great grandchildren, Eric Gilkison of Overland Park, Kansas, Jack and Knox Gilkison of Centennial, Colorado, Sidney and Gavin Gilkison of Great Bend, Kansas, and one great, great grandson Leo Gilkison of Overland Park, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Macksville Christian Church in Betty Jo’s memory. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Minnis Chapel, 526 E. 4th Ave., P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS., with Pastor Jacob Russell presiding. Burial will follow in the Farmington Cemetery, Macksville, KS.
Interment Funeral
