Betty B. Smith, 91, died October 6, 2017, at her home in Hutchinson. She was born April 11, 1926, in Pratt, to Thomas Love and Seciudia Custis ‘Peggy’ (Walker) Martin.

Betty graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1944. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Gene Wells for 18 years and for the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, retiring at the age of 79 1/2, after 20 years of service. Betty enjoyed both jobs. She loved nature and animals, especially her faithful companions- two dogs and four horses. Betty’s greatest love though, was her family. She was a member of Maranatha Mennonite Church.

In 1946, she married Fire Chief of the 4th Division and Marine Corporal Richard ‘Dick’ Woolley. He died January 7, 2007. On October 8, 1966, she married Captain Addison Smith in Hutchinson. He died January 3, 2003.

Betty is survived by: children, Moni LaLonde (Mike), Linda Goldberg (Cliff), all of Rio Verde, Arizona, Rick Woolley of Hutchinson, Peggy Ruebke (Brent) of Nickerson, Vickie Flores of Hutchinson; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many wonderful cousins. She was preceded in death by: her parents; granddaughter, Julie LaLonde Brown; and sister-in-law, Norma Adams.

Cremation has taken place. A gathering for family and friends will be held later this month. Friends may sign the book from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Reins of Hope, South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, or Maranatha Mennonite Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Bernitta Irene Wait, 88, of South Hutchinson, died Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson. She was born October 5, 1928, near Selden, Kansas, the daughter of F. Glenn and Irene May (Barnett) Marshall. She was a 1947 graduate of Rexford High School and a 1974 graduate of Adela Hale Business College. Bernitta had been a member of Westside Baptist Church since 1953.

She married Leo Wait in Haven. He died July 3, 1973.

She is survived by: daughters, Shirley Welch and husband Patrick of Leavenworth, Sheryl Murrow and husband Lonnie of Ozark, MO; sons, Jerry and wife Stephanie of Kansas City, Jack and wife Sheliah, Roger and wife Helen, all of Wichita; brother, Willard Marshall of Fort Worth, Texas; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers, Sam and Floyd Marshall; and twin sister, Bernadine Sewell.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2017, at Westside Baptist Church, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Adrian presiding. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Her register book will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson. Family will be present from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Westside Baptist Church (for missionary outreach), in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Jeffrey Dwight Van Nest, 55, of Hutchinson, died October 4, 2017, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born March 4, 1962, in Garden Grove, CA, the son of Albert and Marie (Elliott) Van Nest.

Jeff owned and operated his own drywall finishing business. In addition to his love for his family was his love for his dogs, Clyde, Pugsley, Oliver, and Daisy.

Jeff is survived by: his companion of 33 years, Kathy Droegemeier; sons, Shane Van Nest and wife Anne of Kansas City, MO, Robert Rogge and wife Kathy of Hutchinson, Chris Droegemeier and wife Robin of Lindsborg; daughters, Jessica Winters and companion Brad Isley of Hutchinson, Jennifer Travis and husband Rob of Sterling; brother, Dana Van Nest of Nickerson; 14 grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, E.R. Van Nest.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the Hutchinson Town Club, 200 E. Sherman St., Hutchinson. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Cause for Paws, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Joann Markel, 78, of Hutchinson, died September 30, 2017. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. October 9, 2017, at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.