Bette Jean (Franz) Rhine 78, of
Hesston, Kansas, died August 22, 2022 at Schowalter Villa in Hesston,
Kansas. Bette was born October 24, 1943 in Newton, Kansas, the
daughter of Walter and Olga (Woelk) Franz. She attended First
Mennonite Church in Newton. Upon her confession of faith, she was
baptized and became a member at 14 years of age.
She graduated from Newton High School
in 1961 and attended Bethel College for one year. She then worked for
American Coach Co. in Newton.
She married Roger Ratzlaff in 1964 and
to this union two sons were born, David and Eric Ratzlaff. They lived
in Hesston, KS and when her sons were small, a number of young
mothers from the community formed a group called ?Mother?s Night
Out? (MNO), meeting once a month. They have continued to meet for
over 50 years and still meet once a week to play cards. Bette was an
active member of this group until her death. She also served as
secretary of the Kansas MCC Relief Sale for many years.
She married Knox Rhine in 1990. While
they were living in Everett, WA, she worked for Reid Middleton. They
moved back to Newton, KS in 2002, and Bette began working in the
Harvey County Clerk?s office until her retirement in 2011. She
continued working part time as the Election Clerk overseeing the
election process until she became ill. In her retirement she was also
a volunteer at Newton Medical Center and Victory in the Valley. She
served on the Newton Medical Center Community Association Board for
many years. She was a member of Faith Mennonite Church and served on
the Fellowship Committee there for several years.
Bette was an avid bridge player and
continued to play even after moving to the Schowalter Villa Care
Facility. She enjoyed playing cards of any kind and would play
whenever her health would allow. She also loved all holidays and
decorated her house, yard and anything else that didn?t move, for
every season and holiday. Her decorations were lavish and beautiful!
She made wonderful peppernuts and holiday cookies and candy which she
generously shared with her family and friends. Her zweiback were the
best! She also loved flowers and at the first sign of spring, pots of
flowers appeared and as the season progressed, her front porch and
back patio were covered with beautiful plants of all varieties.
All in all Bette just loved life and
lived it to the fullest each and every day. She is survived by her
two sons, Eric (Kori) Ratzlaff of Kansas City, Missouri, and David
(Cami) Ratzlaff of Milwaukee, Oregon. One brother, Kenneth (Loretta)
Franz of Newton, KS; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jon and Gale
Stevens of Maryland, brother-in-law Bobby Rhine of Colorado, and two
nephews Kent and Jay Franz. Her grandchildren are Krissa Pulliam,
Raphaela Ratzlaff, and Benett Ratzlaff. Great grandchildren, Cecilia
and Julian. Also many great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
Bette was a loyal and true friend who
leaves numerous long time friends to mourn her passing, including her
life long friend Becky Jo (Miller) Crupper. They met when they were
neighbors at 4 years of age and have remained best friends ever
since.
She was preceded in death by her
husband Knox Rhine in 2013, and her parents. Cremation has taken
place and there will be a committal service at Greenwood Cemetery,
Newton, KS at 1:00 p.m. on September 10, 2022. A Memorial Service
will be held following the committal service at 2:00 p.m., September
10, 2022 at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave., Newton,
KS. Memorials have been established with Faith Mennonite Church and
Schowalter Villa Benevolent Fund.
