Betty Joan Knecht

Betty Joan (Pauly) Knecht, 83, passed away on March 5, 2025, in Topeka. She was born October 21, 1941, in Horton, Kansas, the daughter of Gerald B. and Helena K. (Gronniger) Pauly. She graduated from Midway High School, Denton, Kansas, and Gard’s Business School, St. Joseph, Missouri. She worked in the payroll departments of Armour & Co., St. Joseph, and Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Topeka. Betty married Fred W. Knecht, her high school sweetheart, on June 1, 1963, at St. Mary’s Church, Purcell, Kansas. They were married for 61 years.

Betty was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary, where she was active in the Let’s Help ministry and funeral dinners.

Even though Betty had been wheelchair-bound for 55 years, she was able to and enjoyed caring for her family and home, working in her flowers, boating with Fred, and spending time with friends.

Betty is survived by her husband, Fred, of the home, sons Michael (Carrie), Henderson, KY, and David (Shannon), Overland Park, KS; grandchildren Kaitie, Jake, Josh, Kelsey, and Madi; sisters Mary McCauley (Ken) and Kathy Albers (Danny), brother Bob Pauly and sisters-in-law Pat Pauly and Liz Pauly.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Helena Pauly, and brothers Jim and Bill Pauly.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict’s Church in Bendena, Kansas. A rosary service will be held at 10 a.m. prior to Mass. Inurnment will be in St. Benedict’s Cemetery next to the church with a luncheon to follow at the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Benedict’s Church.

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