Former MO First Lady Betty Cooper Hearnes passes away

CHARLESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – Former Missouri First Lady and State Representative Betty Cooper Hearnes passed away Thursday in Charleston. She was 96.

Hearnes was married to former Missouri Governor Warren E. Hearnes. He was governor from 1965 to 1973.

She is survived by two daughters.

McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston is handling the arrangements.

A private committal service will be held at the Hearnes Family Mausoleum at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston.

A public musical celebration honoring her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family requests memorials be made to:

Autism Speaks
P.O. Box 37148
Boone IA 50037-0148

or online at autismspeaks.org.