Betty Lavonhoehner Stark

Betty Lavon Hoehner Stark, 86, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2006 at Brewster Place Health Center with family at her side. Betty was born in Topeka on July 2, 1920, the daughter of John Henry and Gladys Lowe Hoehner. She attended Randolph Elementary , Boswell Junior High and graduated from Topeka High School in 1938. She graduated from Washburn University with a double major in English and Drama. Following graduation in 1942, she taught English and Speech for two years at Harveyville High School in Harveyville, Kansas. Betty married David W. Stark in May of 1946. Betty enjoyed being a homemaker for many years until Dave's sudden death in 1969. She returned to work full time at Unified School District #501 and later became supervisor of the Payroll Department.

Betty's three grandchildren were her passion in life. She was a devoted grandmother and proudly attended each of their activities until she was no longer able because of health challenges. Betty was affectionately known as "Mams" not only by her grandchildren, but also by their friends, many adult friends, and several caretakers. Betty loved cats, and always had a special place in her heart for her pets. Her faithful feline friend, Tom, will miss her dearly. She was an avid sports fan, and supported Washburn University basketball for many years.

Betty was an active community volunteer. She enjoyed her work at the Topeka Public Library in the Talking Books division, participated in Girl Scouts as both a member and a leader, was a member of chapter DN of PEO, and served as Treasurer of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she was an active member.

Survivors include her daughter Carol Hill and her husband Larry, grandchildren Eliot, Ali and Mackenzie Hill, all of Topeka. Her beloved sister, Joan McElheny of Florence, Alabama survives as well as several nieces and nephews. Betty was also blessed to share a life-long friendship with her dear friend and companion, Helen Jensen.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel with burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. She will lie in state after 4 p.m. today. Her family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight. Memorial contributions may be given to The CAT Association of Topeka, 1719 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Youth Services, c/o Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell, Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.