Betty Jean Stetler

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Betty Jean Thompson Stetler, age 93. She passed away peacefully May 9, 2015, in a Care Haven Home (formerly Comfort Care Homes) in Overland Park, KS. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., May 22, 2015, at Faith Lutheran Church, 4805 W. 67th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. Cremation. Inurnment in the church columbarium following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in Betty's name.

Betty was born in Watertown, SD, Dec. 7, 1921, the first of five children to Alfred and Marie Bunn Thompson. She spent her childhood in the family home southwest of Hendricks, MN. After high school graduation, she went to Minneapolis, MN, and found work caring for the family of a doctor. After hearing from her aunt, Velma Bunn Larson, that AT&T was hiring, Betty went to work as a telephone operator starting Jan. 24, 1942. While in Minneapolis, she met handsome Robert Glenn Stetler of Ellis County, KS, who was in flight training there. He became a Marine torpedo bomber pilot in World War II. On Feb. 26, 1944, Betty and Bob were married, then Bob was immediately shipped off to war.

In 1955, they moved to a beautiful new suburb, Prairie Village, KS. Betty was able to transfer from AT&T in Minneapolis to their Kansas City, MO, office where she became a well-respected employee and had a series of promotions. On March 1, 1979, after 37 years of service, she retired as Supervisor of the Engineering Department. Betty and Bob lived in their home until Bob's death, Jan. 5, 1997. They had been married 53 years. Betty remained in the home until 2005 when she moved to The Forum in Overland Park, KS.

In 2007, Betty moved into a Comfort Care Home in Prairie Village, then to a newer one in Overland Park in 2009 where she remained until her death. She was the longest residing resident of all four Care Haven Homes.

Betty was a member of the Greatest Generation, a Life Member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church and Ruth Circle of the Lutheran Church Women. She enjoyed volunteering as a Parish Visitor, traveling, going on cruises with Bob and friends, playing bridge, exercising, and for many years had season tickets to the New Theatre Restaurant. What gave Betty her greatest joy was visiting with family and the bonds she shared with her cherished friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her infant sister, Beverly Thompson, her parents, her husband Bob, her sister Doris Anderson, and brothers Gordon and Maurice A. "Tommy" Thompson. She is survived by her dear aunt, Velma Larson, several nieces and nephews, other family members and dear friends.

The family would like to express its sincere thanks and deep gratitude to the amazing staff at Care Haven Homes for their unfailing compassion and dedication given to Betty. A special thanks goes to longtime caregivers Cindy and Jo, of Daughter & Co. We also extend our appreciation to the staff of Grace Hospice for their loving care and support of Betty in her final months.

Betty was loyal to her friends, generous with her time, gifts, and money, cheerful, always lending a helping hand. Her sweet, gentle, loving nature will be missed by all who knew her. Betty's strong faith guided and sustained her throughout her entire life. At the end, the formidable foe of dementia ended her lovely life. We'll see you again, Betty.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God has laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard His call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I found the peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joys-

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Oh yes, these things I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief-

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart, and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.