Sharon "Kay" Bettles

Sharon Kay Bettles peacefully passed from this earth on November 30, 2025, on her 81st birthday, after suffering a stroke. Born in 1944 in Council Grove, Kansas, she was the youngest child of four to Edgar L. and Clara Marie (White) Holscher. Kay was united in marriage to Roger Bettles on February 12, 1961, in Council Grove.

Kay touched the lives of so many people with her profound and sincere kindness. She had a smile and a personality that would light up the room. Kay was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone. She had an empathic heart and the genuine gift of making everyone feel loved and valued.

Kay is fondly remembered as one of the nicest people with the biggest heart.

Kay was many things to many people: a loving wife, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a trusted friend, a hard-working employee, and a kindhearted, funny, and tenderhearted woman. To many, they remember her as the waitress and night manager at Crossroads Café in Herington where she was quick with a smile to make everyone feel welcome. At just 15 years old, she gave the greatest and most selfless gift of all, by giving her oldest child up for adoption, sacrificing her own wants and needs for the sake of her baby girl. She gave even more unselfishly and unconditionally as she generously devoted the next 64 years of her life to making a home with Roger and raising and caring for their four children and caring for their grandchildren. She always had a kind word for everyone, a piece of candy in her pocket or in the van she drove for the railroad men, a warm sweet treat in the kitchen, and could be counted on to make the best fried chicken and her special Suzy Q cake.

Kay’s life revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Cooking for and hosting family gatherings was one of her greatest joys. She was always happiest when her family was gathered together. Kay had a curious and inquisitive mind and enjoyed many things: crafts, ceramics, sewing, gardening, jigsaw puzzling and playing games with her granddaughters on granddaughter weekends, and even Tik Tok. She changed the oil in her car, fed the pigs, and rarely asked for help. There wasn’t much Kay couldn’t do once she set her mind to it. She liked to watch true crime stories on TV and always rooted for the success of the people on My 600-Lb Life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Herington, and proudly sang her favorite hymns, though not always in tune. She had a funny and kind sense of humor and a hug for everyone. She knew the simple and pure love of a dog. As in her favorite movie, A Trip to Bountiful, Kay suffered no shortage of spirit. She radiated love and when you were in her presence you felt it. When you weren’t with her, you knew her love in your heart. Her soul is at peace now.

Kay will live on in the hearts and lives of her much-loved family: her husband Roger Bettles of Herington; children Lisa Beeman of Bartlesville, OK, Tim (Phyllis) Bettles of Herington, Clint (Kelly) Bettles of Hillsboro, Chad Bettles of Wichita and Gail (Dean Covert) Bettles of Herington; grandchildren Kyle (Whitney) Beeman, Justin (Jamie) Bettles, Colby (Patti) Bettles, Alyssa Bettles, Caleb (Ashlyn) Bettles, Taylor Bettles, Shelby Bettles, and Madison Bettles; great grandchildren Kit, Campbell, Emileigh, Evelyn, Bryce, Piper and Jameson; her siblings Gerald (Barbara) Holscher and Betty Cantrall, and several nieces and nephews. Kay passed away on Sunday November 30, 2025, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. Waiting for her at the Door to Heaven were her parents, and sister Patricia McDiffett. Her family will gather for a celebration of her life at First Baptist Church at a later date in January. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Stormont Vail Foundation in care of Yazel Megli Funeral Home. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Kay at www.yazelmeglifh.com.