Betty A. Shrake

Betty Aileen Burton Shrake, 81, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009 in Topeka. Born on September 12, 1928 in Emporia KS, Betty was the daughter of James Edward Burton and Pearl Pauline Parsons. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1947, and attended Washburn University. She married Robert Duane Shrake on November 20, 1947 in Topeka, who predeceased her May 20, 1995.

Betty was creative and artistic…an avid reader, she loved Dixieland jazz, her family and animals, and gave generously her time and resources to good causes in the community. The surviving family would like to thank everyone who helped our mother this past year, especially Lexington Park staff and residents, everyone at the Cotton-O'Neil Heart Center, the Stormont-Vail emergency staff, the Presbyterian Manor Home Health nurses, and Dr. Steven Saylor and staff.

Two brothers, James Richard Burton and Charles Alan Burton, predeceased her. Surviving her are her children: Elizabeth "Betsy" Rohleder (Ron), Mary Anne Shrake (Darrel Warren), Kathryn "Kay" Tyrrell, Margaret "Peggy" Hinck (Lyle), Robert "Bob" Shrake (Marcelle), and James Shrake. Her grandchildren: Matthew Hinck, Todd Hinck (Kristy), Shelly Umscheid (Kevin), Patrick Tyrrell and Jasper Shrake. Her great grandchildren: Mikayla Hinck, Miles Hinck, and Kendra Umscheid. She is also survived by her special cousins Sally Lord (Lawrence KS), and Joann Miller (Derby KS), her childhood best friend Beverly Nutter (Phoenix AZ), her long time feline companion Sam, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation with private services for immediate family is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TARC, 2701 Randolph, Topeka, KS 66611, Sheltered Living, 2044 SW Fillmore Ave., Topeka, KS 66604, YWCA, 225 SW 12th, Topeka, KS 66612, Capper Easter Seals, 3500 SW 10th Topeka,KS 66604, KS Accessible Sports, 4404 Gretchen Ct., Lawrence, KS 66047, or to the donor's charity of choice.