ELLINWOOD — Betty J. Loewen, 80, was born in a farm house in rural Meade County, March 9, 1935 to John H and Elizabeth Harder. Betty received Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young girl. Betty attended her church, grade school and graduated from a parochial high school, as Salutatorian, all within a few miles from her family home. She graduated from Grace University, Omaha, Neb., with a three-year degree in Biblical Studies.
July 6, 1956 she married Merle Loewen in her EMB home church in rural Meade County. They moved to Topeka, where they both were employed at Menninger Foundation. Michelle Renae was born May 24, 1958, while Steven James joined the family on Oct. 15, 1960.
After Merle graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, they moved to Gardner, in Johnson Co. where he began his educational career. Betty was employed for many years as a medical receptionist, retiring in 2000 from Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend to spend more time with grandchildren.
Betty enjoyed scrap booking with ladies who joined her at First Baptist Church. Betty also made quilts for all of her married granddaughters, along with several baby quilts for great-grandchildren. She also hosted a Moms in Prayer Group for a number of FBC women.
She taught third grade AWANA girls for 24 years at First Baptist Church. The girls were a joy for her as she also baked Christmas cookies with them in her family home annually.
She leaves to mourn her husband Merle after nearly 60 years of marriage; and her daughter Michelle and Greg Bennett, Tulsa, Okla., Steve and Lisa Loewen, Emporia, plus 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Betty departed her earthly life after a six month battle with cancer on Dec. 21, 2015, peacefully to join Jesus her Savior.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church south of Ellinwood with Pastor David Wesner officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Betty J. Loewen Memorial Fund in care of Minnis Chapel, 113 North Main, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel **
113 North Main
Ellinwood, KS 67526.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 12, 2016