Betty Ann Kelly-Towner, 85, of Lawrence died June 1, 2017 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Betty Ann was born on August 1, 1931 on the family homestead in rural Custer County Oklahoma, the ninth of ten children of Francis Allen and Mabel Jewel (Hall) Rayner.  She graduated in 1949 from Arapaho High School, Arapaho, OK, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK, with a BSE degree in business and secondary education in 1953.  She received her Master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Kansas in 1965.  Her forty year high school teaching and counseling career started in Sawyer, KS and continued in Plevna, Basehor, Byers, Shawnee Mission North, and Meadowbrook Jr. High.  She concluded at Shawnee Mission East High School with 22.5 years, retiring in 1993.

Betty married Rex D. Kelly, a United Methodist Church Pastor, on April 18, 1954 in Clovis, New Mexico.  He served churches in rural Winfield, Sawyer, Plevna, Tonganoxie, Basehor, Iuka, Stillwell, Eudora, Shawnee, Grinter Chapel-KCKS, and Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1984.  She married John E. Towner, music educator from Shawnee Mission Schools, on November 9, 1988, in Shawnee, KS at the United Methodist Church.  A member of the Methodist Church, Betty Ann was President of United women, a circle member, Sunday school leader and teacher, youth leader, member of many committees and secretary numerous times.  She was listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, a life member of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Phi Beta Kappa, and the American Cut Glass Association.

Survivors include her husband, John, of the home; two sons, Michael D. Kelly and Randy (LeAnn) Towner of Lawrence; daughter, Tandy (Mike) Reichmeier of Lenexa; two grandsons, Chris and Charley Reichmeier; three granddaughters: Libby (Jamie) Lamberson, Katie (Steven) Towner, and Abby Towner.  She is also survived by two brothers: Ira and Donald (Roe Ann) Rayner, Clinton, OK, and many dear nieces, nephews and friends.    Preceding her in death were her parents, three brothers: Benjamin, Ray, and Keith Rayner of Antioch, CA; and three sisters: Marie Watson of Antioch, CA. Bonnie Clinkingbeard of Leavenworth, KS and Beulah Rayner of Custer City, OK.

Visitation and Services

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 5 at the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.  Friends may call from 10 to 11 am Monday at the church.  Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday, at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044  or to the American Heart Association, 6800 W. 93rd Street
Overland Park, KS  66212.