Betty Jane Burkett

Betty Jane Burkett, 92, of Topeka, passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 at Topeka Presbyterian Manor.

She was born September 20, 1924 in Topeka, the daughter of James and Pearl Reynolds.

Betty graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University.

She married Max W. Burkett on June 29, 1946 in Topeka. He preceded her in death in 2003.

Betty was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, and served as President of the Alumnae House Corporation Board at Washburn, and as a Alumnae Chapter Officer. She was awarded the Certificate of Merit and the Order of the Shield by the national fraternity. She was also a member of Gage Park Baptist Church, TOPS, Telephone Pioneers, and Active Prime Timers. She enjoyed music, gardening, reading, and time shared with family and friends. Betty was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include daughters, Dixie Sypher, Topeka; Debra Young (Tom) of South Carolina; Diane Sneed (William) of Auburn, KS and sons James Burkett (Teri) of Topeka and Jeffrey Burkett (Joni) of Lawrence; grandchildren Christopher Young (Misty) of Virginia, Scott Young (Laura) of South Carolina, Craig Young of Nebraska, Sarah Burke (Jeff) of Pennsylvania, Tanner Sneed of California, Max Burkett of Topeka, Jamie Burkett of Topeka, Jennifer Burkett of Lawrence, Justin Kruger of Topeka, Emily Burkett of Kansas City, KS, Haley Burkett of Lawrence and three great grandchildren, Evan Young, Nea'Marie Burkett and Fynlee Croney.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 16 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 17 at the funeral home with burial to follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gage Park Baptist Church or The Good Samaritan Fund c/o Topeka Presbyterian Manor.

To share a memory with Betty's family, please visit the guestbook below.