Betty Chesnut Obituary
Betty was born the daughter of the late Edmond and Henrietta (Dirckx) Heislen. She was a 1961 graduate of Fatima High School. With a life devoted to caring for children, Betty babysat for fifty-three years and fostered an extraordinary 472 children over the span of four decades. Her heart for service shaped countless young lives and left an immeasurable impact on her community.
Betty enjoyed the simple joys of life-shopping, tending to her flowers and garden, doing yardwork, and hunting for bargains at garage sales. She especially cherished the children she babysat and fostered, and the time she spent with her family. She was an avid sports fan, cheering on Blair Oaks, the Kansas City Chiefs, Mizzou, and baseball of any kind.
She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne; her son Jimmie (Paula); her daughter Teresa; her brother Phil Heislen; extended family Patty (Chip) Bryant; and her grandchildren Bella Boo, Joshua Chesnut (Maci), and Jacob Chesnut.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Francis, Eddie Joe, and Kenny; her sister Mary Claire; her son William "Billy" Chesnut; and her daughter Becky.
The family kindly asks that anyone with photos of Betty please share them with the family.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family; these will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for children in foster care-something that meant the world to Betty.
A private burial will be held at a later date. Friends and family will be received on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Taos Knights of Columbus, with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com
To send flowers to the family of Betty Chesnut, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Cory Littrell
December 13, 2025
My condolences, she was a great person and one of the best foster parents in the area
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Patty Prenger (Virgil)
December 7, 2025
Deepest sympathy and prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord. Let the perpetual light shine upon her.
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