Harriet Johnson Wallace

Harriet "Betty" Johnson Wallace, 92, of Topeka, passed away sunday, January 21, 2007 at Atria Hearthstone where she had been living for the last five months. She was born August 14, 1914 at Wamego, KS, the daughter of Raymond W. amd Harriet St. John Johnson. She grew up in Wamego and later lived on a farm east of Tecumseh.

Betty attended Topeka's Bethany College and graduated from Topeka High School in 1931, the last class from the old high school. She then attended Emporia State and KU, receiving a teaching certificate. Before marriage, she taught at Milliken and Oak Grove one-room schools in Tecumseh.

On September 5, 1938, Betty married James D. Wallace of Topeka, later Vice President of KP&L. He preceded her in death in 1990. They are survived by a son, Douglass William of Topeka. She is also survived by a nephew, John R. Strain of Junction City, KS; a niece, Patricia DeLapa of Fayetteville, NC, and by great and great great nephews and nieces.

Over the years, Betty was deeply involved with the Stormont-Vail Auxiliary, heading its patients library and serving as its President in 1977 when the North Tower opened. She also volunteered at Ward-Meade Park, especially at the Victor Schoolhouse, giving birthday parties and making favors.

Preservation of Topeka's heritage was very important top Betty, and she followed closely local projects like the Jayhawk Theatre, the Methodist Church at Ward-Meade Park, restoration of Grace Cathedral, the Holliday Park neighborhood, the John Ritchie House and other private efforts. Especially significant to her was the Union Pacific depot in North Topeka, now the Great Overland Station, the Free State Constitution Hall and it's mural, and Topeka High School. Betty was proud of the accomplishments of the Trojans in debate-forensics, theatre, vocal and instrumental music and the Marine Corps JROTC.

Mrs. Wallace will lie in state after 12:00 pm, Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Newcomer Family Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. that afternoon. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, Jan. 25 at West Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stormont-Vail Hospital Foundation, 1500 SW. 10th St, Topeka, KS 66606, Midland Hospice House, 200 SW. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, Topeka High School Historical Society, 800 SW. 10th St, Topeka, KS 66612 or to the Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Park.

Newcomer Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.