In Memory Of
Elizabeth Lee Rohleder
1948
2022
Elizabeth Lee Rohleder
July 14, 1948 — March 3, 2022
Elizabeth Lee (Betsy) Shrake Rohleder, age 73, died peacefully at her home in Topeka on Thursday, March 3, 2022, following an extended illness. Born on July 14, 1948 in Topeka, Betsy was the oldest daughter of Robert Duane Shrake and Betty Aileen Burton Shrake. She married Ron Rohleder on July 5, 1969.
Betsy graduated from Topeka West High School in 1966, earned her BSE degree in Education from Emporia State University in 1970, and completed her Masters of Education from Wichita State University in 1977. Betsy was part of a trailblazing group of Kansas educators who were first certified in special education and taught students with learning disabilities. After teaching for nine years, she left the classroom to become an insurance agent, and then transitioned into her career as a financial planner. She founded Rohleder Financial Services in 1985. She went on to work for several financial institutions, eventually retiring from Wells Fargo Advisors in 2012.
Betsy's fierce yet compassionate presence touched countless lives. Whether you were a childhood friend or a recent acquaintance, Betsy always made time to connect with, and learn about, everyone around her. She unequivocally supported many good causes, serving in various capacities for the Sheltered Living Foundation, League of Women Voters, and First Congregational UCC. She supported numerous community organizations, such as Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, Equality Kansas, Golden City Forum, YWCA, and Child Care Aware (ERC). Like her father, she was an accomplished business person and was active in the Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Betsy constantly inspired positive change all around her. And even though she knew just one joke, she always managed to make us laugh and smile.
Her sister Kay Tyrrell and nephew Brent Rinehart predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years Ron, of Topeka; her sisters Mary Anne Shrake (Darrel Warren), Peggy Hinck (Lyle), Bob Shrake (Marcelle), and James Shrake, all of Topeka; her brother-in-law John Rohleder, of Lawrence, and sister-in-law Mary Rinehart, of Topeka; her nieces and nephews Matt Hinck, Todd Hinck (Shelby), Shelly Umscheid (Kevin), Jasper Shrake, all of Topeka, and Patrick Tyrrell, of Brooklyn, NY, Jason Rinehart, of Lawrence, and Justin Rinehart, of Topeka; great nieces and nephew Mikayla Hinck (Cameron Perrin), Miles Hinck, Kendra Umscheid, Cara Leigh, and Alaina Ray-Lynn Hinck, all of Topeka; many cousins and her feline companion Miss Kitty.
Her family is incredibly thankful for everyone who helped Betsy these past years, especially Dr. Einspahr and his oncology team, the Stormont Vail Cancer Center, KUMC, Phoenix Home Care, and Pastor Tobias Schlingensiepen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to the First Congregational UCC of Topeka, Sheltered Living Inc. Topeka, or a charity of your choice. No services will be held at this time per her request.
To leave a message of condolence for the family or to share a special memory of Betsy, please click on the Shared Memories button above.
Betsy graduated from Topeka West High School in 1966, earned her BSE degree in Education from Emporia State University in 1970, and completed her Masters of Education from Wichita State University in 1977. Betsy was part of a trailblazing group of Kansas educators who were first certified in special education and taught students with learning disabilities. After teaching for nine years, she left the classroom to become an insurance agent, and then transitioned into her career as a financial planner. She founded Rohleder Financial Services in 1985. She went on to work for several financial institutions, eventually retiring from Wells Fargo Advisors in 2012.
Betsy's fierce yet compassionate presence touched countless lives. Whether you were a childhood friend or a recent acquaintance, Betsy always made time to connect with, and learn about, everyone around her. She unequivocally supported many good causes, serving in various capacities for the Sheltered Living Foundation, League of Women Voters, and First Congregational UCC. She supported numerous community organizations, such as Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, Equality Kansas, Golden City Forum, YWCA, and Child Care Aware (ERC). Like her father, she was an accomplished business person and was active in the Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Betsy constantly inspired positive change all around her. And even though she knew just one joke, she always managed to make us laugh and smile.
Her sister Kay Tyrrell and nephew Brent Rinehart predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years Ron, of Topeka; her sisters Mary Anne Shrake (Darrel Warren), Peggy Hinck (Lyle), Bob Shrake (Marcelle), and James Shrake, all of Topeka; her brother-in-law John Rohleder, of Lawrence, and sister-in-law Mary Rinehart, of Topeka; her nieces and nephews Matt Hinck, Todd Hinck (Shelby), Shelly Umscheid (Kevin), Jasper Shrake, all of Topeka, and Patrick Tyrrell, of Brooklyn, NY, Jason Rinehart, of Lawrence, and Justin Rinehart, of Topeka; great nieces and nephew Mikayla Hinck (Cameron Perrin), Miles Hinck, Kendra Umscheid, Cara Leigh, and Alaina Ray-Lynn Hinck, all of Topeka; many cousins and her feline companion Miss Kitty.
Her family is incredibly thankful for everyone who helped Betsy these past years, especially Dr. Einspahr and his oncology team, the Stormont Vail Cancer Center, KUMC, Phoenix Home Care, and Pastor Tobias Schlingensiepen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to the First Congregational UCC of Topeka, Sheltered Living Inc. Topeka, or a charity of your choice. No services will be held at this time per her request.
To leave a message of condolence for the family or to share a special memory of Betsy, please click on the Shared Memories button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth Lee Rohleder, please visit our flower store.
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