Betty Jane Mulich, born Betty Jane Mize, entered this world on August 10, 1921, to Louis “Red” and Minnie Mize. Born and raised in the Bonner Springs, Kansas area, Betty lived a remarkable life centered on faith, family, friendship, and love. At the time of her passing, she was just three months shy of her 105th birthday, leaving behind generations of family who were blessed by her long and beautiful life.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest “Ernie” Mulich; her son, Nick Mulich; her daughter-in-law, Sondra “Sonny” Mulich; her brother, Jack Mize; and her sisters, Hester Mae Love Wasson and Ethel Mize Stolfus, whose memories remained close to her heartthroughout her life.
Betty and Ernie built a family filled with devotion, laughter, and strong traditions. Together they raised two children, Nick and Sharon, and created a home where family always came first. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished so deeply. She is survived by her granddaughter, Cassie Thomas, daughter of Nick and Sonny Mulich, and Cassie’s children, Josh and Reese Reynolds.
Betty is also survived by her daughter Sharon and Sharon’s husband, Jack Ulrich; granddaughter Lisa St. Aubyn and her husband, Raymond St. Aubyn. Lisa and Raymond’s family includes Nick Johnson and Kerry Redmond. Nick and his wife, Kari Jo, are the proud parents of Jack and Abby Jo, Betty’s treasured great-great-grandchildren. Kerry and his wife, Beatrice, also held a special place in Betty’s heart. Betty also lovingly embraced Raymond’s daughters, Erin Kite and Allison, as part of her extended family. Erin and her husband, Joe Kite, are the parents of Scarlet and Grayson, and Allison is the mother of Bella. Betty is also survived by her granddaughter, Jackie Rokusek and her husband, Mark Rokusek, and their children, Annie, Max, and Henry.
For the last 11 years of her life, Betty made her home with Sharon and Jack, who treasured every moment they shared together. Those years became a special gift to their family, filled with laughter, stories, Royals games, and everyday moments that will now be cherished memories.
Betty remained remarkably sharp, independent, and self-sufficient almost until the very end of her life, a testament to her strength and determination. Faith was one of the foundations of Betty’s life. After converting to Catholicism, she became a devoted longtime parishioner of Holy Family Parish. Week after week, Betty could be found sitting faithfully in the front pew at Mass, a quiet but constant presence in the parish community she loved so much. Her faith guided the way she cared for others and the way she lived her life with strength, grace, and compassion.
Betty worked for many years managing the Providence Hospital Gift Shop until her retirement, but her true life’s work was caring for the people she loved. She was a gifted cook whose kitchen was filled with warmth and wonderful meals, an avid reader who could never get enough books, and a talented seamstress and quilter whose hands were always creating something beautiful. She also adored dogs and lovingly spoiled every pup she ever owned.
Betty had a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys and treasured experiences. Betty loved her European travel excursions, enjoyed gathering with friends at the German-American Club, and never passed up a good German beer. She was also a fiercely loyal fan of the Kansas City Royals and rarely missed a televised game.
Those closest to Betty will forever smile when remembering her spirited personality and unmistakable stubborn streak. Her famous “uh huh” became legendary within the family — a response everyone understood to mean that she did not agree with you one bit. It was part of the humor, honesty, and strength that made her so uniquely Betty.
Above all else, Granny Betty, as the family called her, loved her family. She treasured time spent together, celebrated every generation that followed her, and created a lifetime of memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, faith, humor, generosity, and the unwavering love she gave so freely to family and friends. So, raise a glass of German beer and give a toast to the beloved Betty Mulich.
The family has planned a visitation at 9 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. for both Betty and Ernie Mulich on August 1, 2026 at Holy Family Parish, 274 Orchard, Kansas City, Kansas. The burial will immediately follow at Gateof Heaven Cemetery.