Betty Marie Hackler

Betty M. Craig Hackler, 87, of Higginsville, MO passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in Lebanon, MO. She was born on September 2, 1936 at home in Higginsville to the late Ted & Hazel (Whitworth) Murrell. Betty graduated from Higginsville High School in 1955. In high school, Betty worked at the soda fountain at Page’s Drug Store. She married Harold “Dick” Craig on May 27, 1956. After marrying Harold, she devoted her life to being a homemaker and mother. Their union was blessed with 3 daughters, Angie, Vicki, and Linda. They spent many happy years together as an Air Force family, returning to Higginsville in 1972. In the decades that followed, grandchildren entered Betty’s life and became the source of her pride and joy. She was an immensely dedicated grandmother. Several years after Harold’s passing in 1991, Betty married Russ Hackler of Higginsville and could be found supporting him at Hackler Feeds until his passing in 2009. Betty has been a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Higginsville. She always enjoyed her time in fellowship there. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer at the Classic Shop for a number of years. Betty is survived by two daughters, Angie Lefman of Higginsville, and Linda (Lowell) Dickmeier of Niangua, MO; one brother, Lonnie “Buddy” Murrell of Higginsville; six grandchildren, Hollie Medlin, Halie Lefman (partner, Ben), Sara (Charles) White, Aaron (Kalie) Mais, Ashtyn (Ryan) Fischer, and Melanie Brooks; nine great-grandchildren, Mason and Maxton Medlin, Courtlynn (Anthony) Farthing, Savannah Fritz, Carlee Barron and Finn Mais, Chloe and Elijah Fischer, and Brynlee Brooks; one great-great granddaughter, Naomi Farthing, whose sister will arrive this month; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold “Dick” Craig; her second husband, Russ Hackler; her daughter, Vicki (Craig) Mais; her great-grandson, Clayton Mais; and two brothers, Donald “Donnie” White Sr. and Roy “Sonny” White. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 PM PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at First Baptist Church, located at 1907 N. Peach Street Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will directly follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will be in the Higginsville City Cemetery. Casket bearers: Lowell Dickmeier, Ryan Fischer, Ben Hunter, Eric Kirchhoff, Randy Medlin, Anthony Farthing. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

Betty Marie Hackler

September 2, 1936 - March 28, 2024