Betty Benbrook
Obituary
Betty Ruth Perry Benbrook passed away
at Pine Village in Moundridge on Tuesday (Aug. 15, 2017). She was
born on July 23, 1927, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to William Elias
Perry and Golda Genève Lee Perry. Betty was their only child.
After her birth, the family moved to
Grove, Oklahoma, where her father farmed and worked clearing timber
for the construction of Grand Lake of the Cherokees. While living in
the area, the family relocated their home three times, due to the
continued growth of the lake that eventually overtook their
homestead.
Upon graduation from Grove High School
on May 4, 1945, Betty enrolled in the Halstead School of Nursing in
Halstead, where she began her nursing training under the tutelage of
Dr. Arthur Hertzler. As a part of her nursing program, Betty was
admitted to the United States Cadet Nurse Corp. While in nursing
school, she met Jimmie H. Benbrook. After a brief courtship, they
were married on Aug. 3, 1947.
The couple had three children who
survive: Kathy Lynn (Richard) Durst, Moundridge; Danny Lee (Kathryn)
Benbrook, North Newton; and Mary Lisa (Kenneth) Unruh, Tucson,
Arizona. They are also survived by eight grandchildren; and 16
great-grandchildren.
While living in Halstead, Betty worked
part-time at the Halstead Hospital for many years. In 1960, she
returned to work full-time until retiring in 1993. Although she
valued her job in nursing, she was most dedicated to her roles as a
wife, mother and grandmother.
Betty served as a 4-H cooking leader,
Girl Scout leader and room mother for her children's activities. She
was also a passionate reader and enjoyed visiting the city library.
Like her husband, Betty was an avid fan of basketball, particularly
The University of Kansas men's basketball team. In 2013, Betty and
Jim were recognized for their contributions to the Halstead community
and crowned the 2013 Old Settler's Queen and King.
Betty and Jim lived in Halstead until
November 12, 2015, when they moved to Pine Village in Moundridge. Jim
continues to reside at Pine Village.
Visitation with family will be held
from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 20, 2017) at the Kaufman Funeral Home.
Private family graveside services will be held at the Halstead
Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, and as a tribute to
Betty's passion for reading, the family suggests memorial
contributions to the Halstead Public Library, 264 Main Street,
Halstead, KS 67056-1913. Phone: 316-835-2170.
