Betty Loper

Betty (Widows) Loper, 94, a lifelong Garden City resident, died peacefully on Dec. 11, 2023, at St. Catherine Hospital, Garden City, surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born Feb. 18, 1929, in Pierceville, to Glen and Grace (Baker) Widows, the eldest of their three children.

At the age of 16, she married the love of her life, James Loper, after promising her parents that she would finish her high school education. Jim and Betty were married on April 22, 1945, and Betty went on to graduate (as promised) from Garden City High School in 1946.

A homemaker by nature, Betty managed to juggle her roles as wife, mother and as a familiar face on Main Street where she worked 18 years at Linenberger Jewelry. Although she retired in 1987, she remained close to the Linenberger family until her death.

Until her health made it impossible, she led an active life both physically and socially through memberships in the Centennial Gals EHU, water aerobics at the YMCA, and later involvement in the Finney County Senior Center.

Betty’s faith was strong, and she treasured friendships made during all these activities, especially at Garden Valley Church where she had, in the past, served on the Social Committee for many years.

Survivors include sons, Jerry Loper and wife, Sun Yi, and Joe Loper and wife, Kathi, all of Garden City; daughter, Sue Woods, Scott City; brother, Robert Widows, Garden City; sister, Judy Largent, Wichita; grandsons, Jamie Woods and wife, Janelle, Scott City, Aaron Loper and wife, Ashlee, Olathe, and Ryan Loper, Raytown, Mo.; granddaughters, Kim Yakle and husband, Tom, Wapello, Ia., and Gina Basilio and husband, Anthony, Garden City; great-granddaughters, Alyssa and Nayeli Basilio, Garden City, and Allison Loper, Olathe; great-grandsons, Austin, Kendall and Drew Loper, Olathe; and several nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved Jim, her partner for 65 years before his death in 2010; her greatgranddaughter, Shelby Woods; son-in-law, Dennis Woods; sister-in-law, Ramona Widows; brotherin- law, Leon Largent; and nephews, Lanny Largent and David Widows.

A celebration of her long and well-lived life will be held on Sat., Feb. 17, 2:00 p.m., at Garden Valley Church, 1701 N. 3rd St., Garden City, with Pastor Steve Ensz officiating.

The family suggests memorials in her name to Garden Valley Church, 1701 N. 3rd St., Garden City, Ks. 67846, or the Finney County Senior Center, 907 N. 10th St., Garden City.