Betty Ellen Delaney

Betty Ellen Delaney passed away February 11, 2021, in Hill City, Kansas.

She was born July 1, 1930, in Rural Osborne County, Kans., to Irvin and Bessie (Doak) Earl. Betty grew up on the family farm outside Alton with her brothers, Bob and Bill. She attended Liberty Bell Country Grade School. She continued her education and graduated from Woodston High School in 1948. Two years after graduation Betty married Robert Lee Delaney on Aug. 11, 1950, in Littleton, Colo. To this union three children were born, James Lee, Kathy Leona, and William Martian. Prior to this union she had one son, Alva Joe Doak.

Bob and Betty renewed their marriage vows on Aug. 11, 1984, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. In August of 2000 they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends. They made their home in Woodston for 36 years before relocating to Hays where they owned and manages rental apartments. In 2006, due to health conditions, they sold their rentals and moved to Hill City to be closer to family. Betty enjoyed watching her great grandchildren and was always ready with a snack for them whenever they arrived. She was a business owner, caregiver, certified medication aide, and a loving wife and mother. Betty truly wore many hats.

Betty and Robert loved to travel. Their trip to Hawaii in 1980 was a highlight in her life that she reminisced about through the years. In 1994, they traveled with daughter Kathy and family to Las Vegas, where Kathy recalls having to drag Betty away from the slots. Also, several trips were taken with Jim to Alaska to see Bill. They loved fishing for bailout and salmon, and then canning them. To this day those adventures in Alaska are talked about.

Through the years Betty was a very busy gardener. She loved growing vegetables and canning. After all this hard work she was famous for giving away most of her delicious, preserved goodies.

At granddaughter Ashley's wedding in September of 2019, Betty stole the show when she rode down the aisle in a golf cart as the flower girl. Betty turned 90 in 2020 and a large Hawaiian themed party was planned. However, due to COVID, it had to be cancelled. She was so excited when, interred of a party, the family had a card shower. Betty received hundreds of cards which she thoroughly enjoyed. Betty will be remembered for her senses of humor and unconditional love for her family.

She is survived by her children, Jim (Linda Winters) of Hill City, Kathy (Ron) Wolfrum of Stratton, Colo., Bill of Glenallen, Alaska, and Joe (Linda) of Thermopolis, Wyo.; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Delaney; parents; and her brothers, Bob and Bill Earl.