Betty Jane Huschka, former Great Bend resident, retired registered nurse, and homemaker, passed away Sept. 9, 2022, at the age of 98, in Derby, Kan. She was born July 11, 1924, to Carl J. and Elizabeth Seitz Orth in Hays, Kan.
Betty attended parochial schools in Hays. A senior in high school, she enrolled in the American Red Cross Nursing Assistant program and received her certificate to aid in the war effort. She graduated from Girls’ Catholic High School in Hays in 1942 and was awarded the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award for Excellent Students. After graduation, she was employed at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays as a nurse’s aid for one year before entering St. Rose Hospital School of Nursing in Great Bend, Kan. in 1943. In 1946, she graduated, receiving her nursing degree and her registered nurse license.
On Feb. 21, 1946, Betty met the love of her life, Norman J. Huschka of Ellinwood, Kan., who had returned home from serving in World War II as an American Air Force Flight Engineer on a B-26 Bomber and former Prisoner of War in occupied Germany. Norman and Betty were engaged on Feb. 21, 1947, and were married on May 27, 1947, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, Kan. Norman preceded her in death on Feb. 21, 1997, on the 51st anniversary of their meeting.
Betty nursed for many years at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend and for Dr. Marlin W. Carlson of Ellinwood, Kan. Betty was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, Altar Society, and the Eucharistic prayer hour. She was a life member of the American Prisoners of War Organization. After 61 years in Great Bend, Betty moved to Derby, Kan., for health reasons in 2015.
Survivors include three sons, Kurt (Janna) of Hutchinson, Kan., Glen (Nicki) of Pflugerville, Texas, and Kris (Lisa) of San Antonio, Texas; a daughter, Gail (Max) Ferguson of Derby, Kan.; six grandchildren, Clint Huschka, Daniel Ferguson, Bonnie Cole, Ali Rae Ferguson-Rangel, Amanda Davis, Kennedy Huschka; six great-grandchildren, Lily Ashlyn Huschka, Savannah Grace Huschka, Melita Noel Huschka, Zoey Quinn Cole, Mila Rae Rangel, Leo Eugene Ferguson; a sister, Carol (Kenneth) Diehl of Roseville, Calif.; and extended family, Mark and Michelle Rondeau, Brad and Sarah Shirer, Ron and Tammy Mason, and Ron and Becky Draney. She is preceded in eternity by her husband; parents; four brothers, two infants, Marvin (Amy), and Kenneth (Virginia) Orth; a sister, Martha (Ed) Schulte; and a nephew, Kenneth Diehl, Jr.
Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, with Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, in Great Bend, Kan. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 14, 2022
