Vivian Ruth (Garrett) Betts, 90, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Dorrance, Kansas, passed away Friday morning, May 26, 2023 at the Russell Regional Hospital.
Vivian was born May 22, 1933 on the family farm north of Dorrance. She was the daughter of Adam and Chloe (Essig) Garrett. She grew up on the family farm and attended country schools until the third grade when her family moved into Dorrance. She graduated from Dorrance High School in 1950.
Vivian met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to LeRoy W. “Tiny” Betts on April 10, 1951 in Dorrance. This union was blessed with three angelic sons; Alan, Roger and Brian. They made their home on military bases around the world until LeRoy retired from the military. Then they moved from San Diego, California to Salina, Kansas and then moved to Dorrance in 1971. Then they moved to Russell in 1976. LeRoy preceded her in death on February 14, 2010.
Vivian was a devoted wife and homemaker for her boys. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Dorrance, V.F.W. Post 6240 Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary of Dorrance. She enjoyed gambling and spending time with her family and friends.
Vivian is survived by her son, Alan Betts and wife Jan of Hays, Kansas; companion, Kenny Shepman of Russell, Kansas; daughters-in-law, Sheila Betts of Shattuck, Oklahoma and Trudy Betts-Boyd and husband Jim of Ankeny, Iowa; four grandchildren, Shawn, Amber, Joshua and Ashley.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; husband LeRoy; sons, Brian Betts and Roger Betts; brothers, Duane Garrett and Melvin Garrett.
Celebration of Vivian’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Burial will follow at the Dorrance City Cemetery. No visitation will be held.
Memorials have been established with the First Lutheran Church of Dorrance or Wheatland Nursing Home in Russell. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.