Betty J. Withrow

Betty J. Withrow, 91, of Chetopa, passed away at 8:46 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at her home.

Betty June Brown was born on April 17, 1930, to John Cecil "J.C." and Cinderella Florence (Mills) Brown in Chetopa, Kansas.  She grew up and attended schools in Chetopa, graduating from Chetopa High School.

After raising her family, Betty returned to school and earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University.  She worked as a special education teacher for Chetopa schools for a number of years.

She was an active member of the Community Bible Church in Chetopa and in earlier years, she was a member of the Assembly of God in Chetopa. Betty was also an active member of the Shawnee Tribe.  A lifelong resident of Chetopa, Betty contributed her time and talents to the museum and the library and served on the Election Board.

Betty was a very talented and well-known musician in the area.  As a tribute to her Shawnee heritage, she enjoyed replicating Indian jewelry and clothing.  She also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with her husband and parents over the years.

On June 28, 1947, Betty and Robert Withrow were united in marriage at the Assembly of God parsonage in Chetopa.  He preceded her in death on August 4, 2001.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Robert H. Withrow, Jr. of Chetopa, Kansas

John M. "Buck" Withrow and his wife, Elsie, of Claremore, Oklahoma

Three grandchildren – Greg Begley and his wife, Gina; Katye Duvall and her husband, Brent; and Jon Andrew Withrow and his wife, Tamara

Ten great-grandchildren – Joey Begley, Jacob Begley, Jonathan Begley, Laura Begley, Leaha Begley, Sophia Duvall, Khloe Duvall, John David Duvall, Jude Duvall and Jon Wyatt Withrow

Many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Withrow, Sr.; one grandson, Joey Begley; two brothers, Robert J. Brown and James N. Brown; and one sister, Jo Ann Copple.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.  The family will receive friends 6 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Bible Church Missions.  These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS  67336.