HUTCHINSON — Betty Joyce (Kerbs) Abel, 89, died March 5, at Good Samaritan Center, Hutchinson.  Born Nov. 12, 1925, at Oits, she was the daughter of Leonard E. and Hannah (Brack) Kerbs.  She was a member of Otis United Methodist Church and Eastern Star #104 receiving her Gold Certificate representing 50 years,  and Liberal Lyons Club.  Betty and Walt were owners and operators of Abel Dirt Construction Company in Liberal for over 20 years.
On June 29, 1947, she married Walter Franklin Abel in Hutchinson.  He died March 13, 2000.
Survivors include her daughter, Ronda Priem and husband William of Hutchinson; and her grandson, William Priem and wife Dr. Rachel Warren-Priem of Dallas, Texas.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Helen “Tootsie” Pearson, Vera Traylor and brother, Buddy Kerbs.
Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at Otis United Methodist Church with Pastor Marilyn Christmore presiding.  Burial will be in Otis United Methodist Cemetery.  Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Betty Abel Memorial Fund for Animal Rescue in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.  Condolences may be left at www.elliottmortuary.com for the family.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Elliott Mortuary*
1219 N. Main
Hutchinson, KS 67501
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2015