610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
785-483-2212​

 701 N. First Street
Natoma, KS 67651
785-885-4221​

610 N. Maple

Russell, KS 67665
785-483-2212

701 N. First Street

Natoma, KS 67651
785-885-4221

Betty J. Pruter

Betty Joy (Zweifel) Pruter, 87, of Natoma, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at her home.

Betty was born June 26, 1936 on the family farm near Waldo, Kansas.  She was one of four children born to Robert and Bernice (Clow) Zweifel.  She grew up in the Waldo area and graduated from Waldo High School.  She then attended Ft. Hays State University and graduated with a degree in Education.

Betty was united in marriage to Orville Leon Pruter on June 5, 1955 in Amherst, Kansas.  This union was blessed with six children; Dale, Susie, Gale, Daryl, Doug and Kevin. They made their home in the Natoma area.  Orville preceded her in death on October 30, 2020.

Betty was a Teacher and a devoted farmer’s wife.  She taught at four country schools before teaching at Zurich School District. Later she worked at Natoma Unified school district from which she retired.  She was a member of the Amherst Methodist Church, then attended the Plainville Church of the Nazarene and was church treasurer for many years, and for the last few years attended the New Life Church of Natoma.  She was a County Commissioner for eight years.  Was a past President of the Kansas Teachers Union and a member of the KNEA, Kansas area in agency member.  She was a community minded individual that loved helping people out.  In her spare time she enjoyed oil painting and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Betty’s surviving family include her four sons; Gale Pruter (Teresa) of Osborne, Kansas, Daryl Pruter (Lise) of Neodesha, Kansas, Doug Pruter (Dina) of Natoma, Kansas and Kevin Pruter (France) of Blue Springs, Missouri; brother, Robert Zweifel, Jr. (Kathy) of Waldo, Kansas; sisters, Barbara Tyree (Jim) of Wilson, Kansas and Peggy Martin (Doug) of Nixa, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, fourteen greatgrandchildren and five on the way.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orville; son, Dale Pruter; and daughter, Susan LaJoy.

Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the New Life Church of Natoma.  Burial will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery.  The family will be present to greet friends, the morning of the service, from 10:00 AM to Service time.  A Memorial has been established with the New Life Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.