KVSV

Betty Johanek-Zabel, Age 87

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Betty Johanek-Zabel, daughter of Orlo Fred VanWey and Irma Elizabeth Boyer VanWey was born December 21, 1928 in Jewell County on a farm north of Ionia, Kansas. She attended all eight years of grade school at White Swan Grade School in Erving Township. She graduated from Ionia High School (one of four senior girls) in 1946. She worked for the Jewell-Mitchell Cooperative Electric Company until the marriage of Elden Francis Johanek on November 27, 1948. (p.s. she worked for Rural Electric Company for .40 an hour!) Elden and Betty were married at the Sacred Heart Church in Esbon, KS by father Michael Barrins. Father Barrins gave her religious instructions in the Catholic Church, but it was election year and he and Elden talked more about the election than the instructions. She learned more in later years about the catechism when her children were taking it. Their Children include: Steven Lynn, Sharon Louise (John) Bergman, James Elden (Angie), Ronald Paul (Barb), twins who died at birth, Mary Jeannette and Marie Annette, Nancy Patrice (Dave) Stortz, Kristina Joan and Tracy Colette (Chuck) Decker. After Elden's death in June 1989, Betty moved to Smith Center. On November 14, 1992 she married Clarence Zabel. With this union the following kids became Betty's: Deb and Kenton Weltmer, Bob and Christy Masleid, John and Laura Zabel and Evelyn and Mike Wilson.
Clarence and Betty enjoyed 23 years of marriage filled with traveling to places such as Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Branson, MO. Clarence passed away January 26, 2015.
She belonged to the Blue Stocking card club since 1951, joined the Heartland Sweet Adeline's (Barber Shop Singing Group) in Red Cloud, NE in 1977. She then became a charter member of Sweet Adeline's, in Smith Center, later called Friends in Harmony. One of Betty's greatest joys was spending time with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed quilting (some of her quilts are displayed here today), playing cards, singing, playing piano (by ear) and baking delicious pies and sweets.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents Orlo and Irma VanWey, husband Elden Johanek, second husband, Clarence Zabel, sister Barbara Alcorn, son Steven Johanek , daughters Mary, Marie and Kristy, step grandson, Simeon Weltmer and son-in-law Steven Abbott.

Grandchildren include; Aleshia Bedore, Jami Stewart (Andy), Katie Smith (Matt), Jodi Wagner (Chad), Cassie Blubaugh (Barr), Andrea Pianalto (Dominic), Erin Cameron (Jamie), Brandon Decker (Megan), Whitney Gantz (Bryan), Kiley Conaway (Chase), Colbie Lewis (Ryan) and Brett Decker.

Step Grandchildren include; Taylor Zabel, Kate Rivard (Earl), Philip Masleid (Ting Ting), Jenny Collins (Adam), Tim Weltmer (Dayna), Keri Houts (Matt), and Greg Wilson (Lisa), Taneasha Eckstrom (Eric), Zediah Timmons & Andrea Morriss (Matt), Justin, Joby, Jamie, and Crockett Stortz.

Great Grandchildren include; Chance and Tatum Bedore; Wrigley, Kearney, Tenney, Massey, Augie and Issey Stewart; Henry and Maxwell Smith; Barrett and Sydney Pianalto; Riley and Jordan Cameron; Crue and Claire Decker, Nora Gantz, Hadley and Mason Conaway, Clayton and Kennedy Lewis.
Step Great Grandchildren include; Daris, Decklyn, Drake and Dayvie Weltmer, Austin Weltmer and Aaron Collins; Payne, Gabe and Ella Houts; Olivia and Lane Wilson; Noah, Izayiah and Ezra Eckstrom; Aurora Timmons and Stryker Morriss; Ezekiel, Titus, Selah, Elijah, Brecklyn Stortz and Aiden Stumbaugh.

Upcoming Events

VISITATION
Tuesday, Dec 6 at 7:00 PM
Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary
116 W. First Street
Smith Center, KS 66967

Rosary will be recited at this time

SERVICE
Wednesday, Dec 7 at 10:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
S Main St
Esbon, KS 66941

Cemetery Details
LOCATION
St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery
highway 36
Esbon, ks 66941

Memorial Contribution
SMITH COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LONG TERM CARE
614 S Main
Smith Center, KS 66967

 

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