OBITUARY

Betty JoAnne Munnings

October 5, 1930 – October 19, 2026

In Loving Memory

BettyJo Munnings, loving mother, devoted friend passed away peacefully in her sleep Monday, October 19, 2026.

Preceded in death by her husband Bob, BettyJo is survived by children, Scott Munnings, and Karen Jacobson; grandsons, Rob Munnings, and Will Jacobson; and great-grandson, Jack Munnings.

BettyJo carried with her a love of living, joy in connecting with people, the ability to find humor in all things. She filled her own heart with art, music and song and shared it openly with us all. Her quick humor and generous love of life will be missed and remembered with great love and fondness by many.

Born to parents Josephene Anne (Froyd) and William Floyd Scarborough on October 5, 1930 near the rural town of Chicago Heights Illinois, she grew up in the company of her sister Nancy, and life-long friend, Donna Taylor. Chatty and gregarious, BettyJo shared with them many happy, often cantankerous adventures which she spoke of often. She graduated high school early and went on to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics Education at DePaw University, where she was a proud member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, played piano as an accompanist for recitals and theater productions, and sang in musicals and choir.

Her teaching career led her to complete a master’s degree in education at the University of Minnesota during summers, while wearing several hats at Chrystal Lake High School, including teaching Science, Home Economics, and serving as Student Counselor. This is where she met and married her husband of 35 years, Robert W. Munnings, a fellow educator in mathematics.

They built a home in rural West Chicago, Illinois where they raised their two children. BettyJo was an at home mother for many years, eventually taking on, and thoroughly enjoying, part time work waiting tables. So many new friends to make and keep! BettyJo was a warm, guiding parent. Ever the educator, she was active in scouting activities - den mother and assistant troop leader, merit badge volunteer. She was inspired in all things by her love of piano, song, and flowers, and was rarely without a book at hand. Neighbor and family friend, Virginia Zahaitis was her daily coffee companion, confidant, loving tender of gardens, co-fan of art and shopping, and a treasured friend the rest of their lives.

Once the kids settled into careers, BettyJo moved to California and took a job as medical receptionist and joined her late sister, Nancy Meltzer, in helping with their aging parents. She so enjoyed walks and fitness in the warm sunshine of Mission Viejo! She and Nancy became very close in those years. They visited museums, attended theater, and joined a travel club, touring in many countries over the years - Paris, Italy, and Switzerland having been BettyJo’s favorite adventures.

Following the death of her husband Bob, BettyJo retired and moved to Minneapolis, MN to be closer to her children and grandchildren with whom she shared deep love and a great deal of ever playful fun! She found fond companionship in her sister-in-law, Fran Munnings, and her neighborhood friends. BettyJo adored her house and garden, and continued her most loved pursuits - walking daily, library volunteering, MIA membership, and attending local concerts and musicals, and had a particular fondness for the Rose Garden at Lake Harriet.

Her last years were spent charming and challenging the staff and residents at The Waters Senior Living Memory Care whose expert and genuinely loving care graced each stage of her journey with joyful companionship, understanding, and comfort.

There, as ever, BettyJo made friends quickly and effortlessly. Her unbridled willingness to laugh, her open generosity of heart, steadfast resilience, quick wit, and spontaneous urge to sing touched and opened the hearts of everyone.

Details for a celebration of Betty Jo’s life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, feel free to honor BettyJo’s memory and her love of gardening and the arts through gifts to:

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, https://tickets.artsmia.org/events/0029f378-fddb-de69-c0e5-5ae9a8ab9e53

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, https://arb.umn.edu/support/donate

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Minneapolis Institute of Art

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

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