Former state representative, Missouri first lady Betty Cooper Hearnes dies

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Former Missouri first lady and state Rep. Betty Cooper Hearnes has died, the Missouri Democratic Party confirmed in a press release. She was 96.

Hearnes was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives during a special election in Charleston in 1979 and served through 1986, according to data from the Secretary of State’s website. She was married to Warren Hearnes, who served as governor from 1965-73. The Hearnes Center in Columbia is named after the former governor.

Hearnes was a Democratic nominee for governor in 1988 and lost to incumbent Gov. John Ashcroft, according to prior election data. She was picked as the chair of the Missouri Democratic Part in in 1987, according to a release from the Missouri Democrats.

 "There's no First Lady of Missouri that I admired more than Betty Hearnes," former state Sen. and first lady Jean Carnahan said in a release from Missouri Democrats. "Her do-it-all, have fun, and never-give-up attitude served her well throughout her extraordinary life of service to her community and state."  

Former State Rep. Gracia Backer – who was described as Hearnes’ friend in the statement -- also gave praise to Hearnes.

“Betty Hearnes was the epitome of a public servant. As first lady, as a State Representative from Mississippi County, or a private citizen, Betty never stopped serving the people of this state,” Backer said in the statement. “She was my mentor and my leader.”

Gov. Mike Parson gave condolences in a social media post.

"First Lady Teresa Parson and I are saddened to hear of the passing of former Missouri First Lady Betty Hearnes. First Lady Hearnes was a passionate advocate for the arts, education, and preservation of the Governor's Mansion. We extend our appreciation for her service to Missourians and heartfelt condolences to the Hearnes family," Parson wrote.