In Memory Of
Betty C. Vawter
1928
2022
Betty C. Vawter
November 26, 1928 — May 29, 2022
Betty Charlene Vawter, 93, Topeka, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2022.
She was born November 26, 1928, in Wakarusa, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Francis and Julia Agnes (Patterson) Renyer.
She grew up on a farm walking behind the horse and plow, the specific horses she remembers were "Tom and Queen". She attended Pleasant Valley Grade School, a one room school house, which held grades 1-8. In 1944, before she could go on a date with Harold, she had to finish her chores. Harold would drive over in his folks Model A Ford, and if he didn't have the car, he rode over on the family draft horse Dolly. She graduated from Auburn Rural High School in May 1946. During high school, she played softball, basketball, and was a cheerleader for the football team. In 1948, she graduated from Clark's Business College.
After Clark's business college, she began work at the Kansas Inspection Bureau, where she worked until she married Harold E. Vawter on September 10, 1949 in Topeka. They were married by the Justice of the Peace and Gilbert and Lucille Brill stood with them.
Betty and Harold raised six children together and in early 70s, she went back to work during the third shift at Stormont-Vail in the nursery. She went back to work for the state with KDOT in 1977 and retired in 1991.
She joined the Wakarusa Eastern Star Clarice Chapter, No. 390 on November 11, 1959. That chapter later would merge with Carbondale Chapter Fidelity Chapter No. 38 in 2011. A membership she held for over 60 years. On October 12, 1985 she became a member of the Women's Auxiliary with V.F.W. Philip Billard Post 1650.
Survivors include six children, Harold E. (Arlana) Vawter, II, Patricia A. Dean, Bruce E. (Kelly) Vawter, Gary L. Vawter, Penny C. Frye, and Brian J. (Nancy) Vawter; brother, Charles E. (Shirley) Renyer; brothers-in-law, Kenny Lienberger and Dick Jones; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold E. Vawter, parents, siblings, Frances Renyer, Faye Lienberger, and Dixie Jones, granddaughter, Julie Mae Vawter, and son-in-law, Ronald Frye.
Betty loved playing Bingo and playing cards, playing Bingo until the recent pandemic. She also enjoyed word puzzles.
Graveside services will be 11am Friday, June 3, 2022 at Auburn Cemetery, Auburn, KS. A visitation will be 6-8pm Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.
To leave a message for Betty's family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born November 26, 1928, in Wakarusa, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Francis and Julia Agnes (Patterson) Renyer.
She grew up on a farm walking behind the horse and plow, the specific horses she remembers were "Tom and Queen". She attended Pleasant Valley Grade School, a one room school house, which held grades 1-8. In 1944, before she could go on a date with Harold, she had to finish her chores. Harold would drive over in his folks Model A Ford, and if he didn't have the car, he rode over on the family draft horse Dolly. She graduated from Auburn Rural High School in May 1946. During high school, she played softball, basketball, and was a cheerleader for the football team. In 1948, she graduated from Clark's Business College.
After Clark's business college, she began work at the Kansas Inspection Bureau, where she worked until she married Harold E. Vawter on September 10, 1949 in Topeka. They were married by the Justice of the Peace and Gilbert and Lucille Brill stood with them.
Betty and Harold raised six children together and in early 70s, she went back to work during the third shift at Stormont-Vail in the nursery. She went back to work for the state with KDOT in 1977 and retired in 1991.
She joined the Wakarusa Eastern Star Clarice Chapter, No. 390 on November 11, 1959. That chapter later would merge with Carbondale Chapter Fidelity Chapter No. 38 in 2011. A membership she held for over 60 years. On October 12, 1985 she became a member of the Women's Auxiliary with V.F.W. Philip Billard Post 1650.
Survivors include six children, Harold E. (Arlana) Vawter, II, Patricia A. Dean, Bruce E. (Kelly) Vawter, Gary L. Vawter, Penny C. Frye, and Brian J. (Nancy) Vawter; brother, Charles E. (Shirley) Renyer; brothers-in-law, Kenny Lienberger and Dick Jones; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold E. Vawter, parents, siblings, Frances Renyer, Faye Lienberger, and Dixie Jones, granddaughter, Julie Mae Vawter, and son-in-law, Ronald Frye.
Betty loved playing Bingo and playing cards, playing Bingo until the recent pandemic. She also enjoyed word puzzles.
Graveside services will be 11am Friday, June 3, 2022 at Auburn Cemetery, Auburn, KS. A visitation will be 6-8pm Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.
To leave a message for Betty's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty C. Vawter, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, June 2, 2022
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 4
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