Bette Settle Tompkins

Bette Settle Tompkins, 94, of Topeka, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

She was born October 25, 1927, the daughter of Robert E. and Sena (Lowry) Settle at Christ Hospital (now Stormont-Vail) in Topeka, Kansas.

Bette graduated from Topeka High School in 1945 and Washburn University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Music Degree. While in high school and college she gave marimba and piano lessons, performed in many concerts, and accompanied students with their performances. She was the organist at Central Park Christian Church while attending Washburn. At Washburn she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Social Sorority and Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority. She was selected to Nonoso, Senior Women's Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Pi, Honorary Scholastic Music Fraternity. She received her Master's Degree from Emporia State in 1970.

Bette first taught vocal and instrumental music for first grade through high school at Melvern, Kansas (1949-1953). She taught music at Shawnee Heights District for 30 years (1960-1990). She was Master Teacher at Shawnee Heights in1978.

Bette played in the Topeka Symphony for 30 plus years and served on the Symphony League Board for 20. She was a member of First Congregational Church where she was a Deaconess and a member of the choir, bell choir, and women's fellowship. She was a member of many organizations: PEO Chapter GJ, Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teachers Sorority, Music Study Club, Minerva Club, Sigma Alpha Iota Alumnae, ERC, and a life member of Topeka High Historic Society and Washburn University Alumnae.

After retirement she volunteered at Stormont-Vail in the gift shop and served as Stormont-Vail Auxiliary President in 2000-2001. She was honored as Distinguished Auxilian in 2010-2011. She loved to travel domestically and internationally and visited all 50 states.

Bette married George Tompkins June 29, 1952. He preceded her in death after 50 years of marriage. Mildred Pritchett, her sister, also preceded her in death. She is survived by 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Son Robert married to Diane Seneca, SC; Travis (Barbara) Long Creek, SC and Miriah Minneapolis, MN; Peyton, Jackson and Walker. Daughter Sheri married to Mark St Louis; Christie (Jevon) Columbus OH, Mikael (Ashley) St Louis and Ashley (Joe) St Louis; Mason, Sophie, Greyson, Christopher, Joey, Kenzlie, Barrett, Jayden, Cecelia.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Mount Hope Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, KS. The family will receive friends following the service.

Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brewster Foundation, 1205 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66611, First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins Ave, Topeka, KS 66604 or Washburn University Foundation – Bette Tompkins Music Scholarship, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.

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