Betty Joan Bopp

Betty Joan Bopp passed away on January 20, 2025 from complications due to dementia. She was born in Herington, Kansas on July 17, 1927 to Albert Rex Tharp and Mary Ruth Tharp. 

Betty attended Wyandotte High School (Class of ‘45) in Kansas City, Kansas and attended The University of Kansas where she received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin Performance (Class of ‘49). While at the University, she joined the music fraternity, Mu Phi Epsilon and kept her membership with that organization current until recently. Betty performed regularly in the Kansas City area with small chamber groups, shows and community orchestras including The Kansas City Civic Orchestra. She was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 34-627 in Kansas City for over 50 years. She taught private violin and piano lessons to many grateful and talented students over the years and taught Elementary Violin Classes for the Kansas City, Kansas School District for several years. Betty also worked for Reliance Insurance Company until her retirement. Betty married her second husband, Fred Bopp in 1969. They were devoted members of The St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. They loved their church and shared their love of music by participating in the Church’s Bell Choir. Service to their church was an important part of their lives. They were lovers of all animals. In addition to having indoor cats and canaries, they had fun feeding all the squirrels, birds and stray animals in the neighborhood! 

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jerry Breitag, her parents, Ruth and Rex Tharp, her second husband, Fred Bopp and her step-son, Danny Bopp. She is survived by her two daughters, Ruth Ann Ozias and Patty Breitag, step-daughters, Annie, Marilyn and Carolyn, 4 grandchildren, Kelly, Stacy, Brett and Bobby and 11 great grandchildren, Andrew, Jarek, Mia, Damien, Aidan, Hannah, Isabella, Mason, Arabelle, Remi and Wyatt.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service of remembrance for Betty at 11:00 a.m. Both services will be held at Park Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery at 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, MO 64138.