Betty Cooper Hearnes

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Former first lady of Missouri Betty Cooper Hearnes died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Charleston, surrounded by her family.

She served as first lady of the state of Missouri from 1965 to 1973 while her husband, Warren E. Hearnes, served as the 46th governor.

She was born July 24, 1927, in Brinkley, Arkansas, to the Rev. A.B. and May Lawrence Cooper.

Betty was a very active first lady. She proved to be a strong advocate for numerous causes, including historical preservation, mental health, education and especially the arts. In 1966, the Missouri Council of the Arts had been hampered by lack of funds. Betty proudly championed this cause, working diligently to pass legislation highlighting the practical benefits of a statewide arts program. The bill became known as "Betty's Bill" and passed thanks to her hard work advancing this cause. At that time, Missouri became only the second state in the nation to provide public funds to support a state arts council. Several weeks later, Betty's work was further recognized by her being asked to appear before the National Council of the Arts, illustrating "Betty's Bill" as a model for advancing the arts throughout the nation. Her efforts were given formal recognition in December 1968, when the St. Louis Globe-Democrat announced the selection of Betty as one of the newspaper's 10 top Women of Achievement for 1968. She was cited for her work in public affairs.

After leaving the governor's mansion, Betty began her own political career, serving the people of the 160th District as their state representative for 10 years. In 1988, she was the first woman to run for governor of Missouri. She continued to serve her state, community and church for the rest of her life.

She is survived by her daughters, Leigh Hammond and Julie Hearnes Sindelar (Dan); her four grandchildren, Clayton Hammond, Catherine Hammond, Britten Sindelar and Andrew Sindelar; her sisters, Jane Cooper Stacy and Dr. Rose Marie Cooper Jordan; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gov. Warren E. Hearnes; her daughter, Lynn Cooper Hearnes; her son-in-law, Cary W. Hammond; and her brothers and sisters, Allen Autry Cooper, Dr. James Franklin Cooper, Velna Cooper Brown, Dr. Jennie Cooper Frye and Julia Cooper Warren.

A private family committal service will be held at the Hearnes family mausoleum at IOOF Cemetery near Charleston. Entombment will follow under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

A public musical celebration honoring the life of Betty Cooper Hearnes will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at First Baptist Church in Charleston.

The family kindly requests memorials be made to Autism Speaks; P.O. Box 37148; Boone, IA 50037-0148 or online at www.autismspeaks.org or Friends of the Missouri Governors Mansion, 716 E. High St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.