WINFIELD — Betty W. Nation, 97, of Winfield, passed away at her home Saturday afternoon, June 22. Born Dec. 1, 1915 in Peru, she was the daughter of Owen “O.C.” and Minnie Jane (Foltz) Wasson. She was raised and received her education in Peru, graduating from Peru High School as valedictorian. She then attended Arkansas City Junior College where she received her teaching certificate. Betty was united in marriage to John Howard Nation on March 28, 1936 in Independence. They relocated a number of times due to John’s involvement in the oil industry as well as military service in Utah. Betty continued with her music, church and civic organizations. The couple moved to Winfield in 1962 where they formed Petroleum Enterprises. Betty handled the financial and secretarial aspects of the business. They retired in 1986. Mr. Nation preceded her in death on May 8, 2002.
Mrs. Nation was a member of First United Methodist Church. She and her husband were instrumental in getting Habitat for Humanity started in Winfield. She was a board member in the Fourwinds Girl Scout Council and was a Daughter of the American Revolution. Betty was a lifetime member of the Soroptomist International of Winfield, a charter member of Chapter HIC PEO, and was a member of the Walnut Valley Quilters Guild. She was an accomplished cellist and pianist in her younger years. She was an avid seamstress, quilter and needle pointer. Betty especially loved spending time with her family.
Her family includes, her daughter, Nancy Nation Heinz of Winfield; her daughter-in-law, Jacque Nation of Winfield; her sister, Ruth Sturgess of Sedan; her grandchildren, Michael K. Heinz, Jr. (Michelle) of Houston, Texas, Michelle Ptak (Brian) of Kansas City, Rachael
Land (Shannon) of Tulsa, Okla., Robert John Nation, II (Tosha) of Hampton, Va., and Miranda Nation of Winfield; her great-grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, and Emily Heinz, Jessica and Joseph Ptak, Lilah and Meredith Land, and Trevor and Cody Nation, Makaila Bonner, and Austin Peri; her nephew, Charles Wasson and wife, Donna; her nieces, Sherry Carpenter and Cindy Hipes; and many other nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Robert J. Nation; her brothers, John, George, Arthur and Charlie Wasson; and her sister, Mildred Ableson.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. that evening. Memorials have been established in Betty’s name for Habitat for Humanity and for the First United Methodist Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Miles Funeral Service**
4001 E. 9th  
P.O. Box 720
Winfield, K. 67156
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, June 26, 2013