IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Betty Ireland

A celebration of life for Betty Ireland, 93, who passed away July 27, 2025, at St. Luke Living Center, Marion, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Florence Christian Church, 333 W. 5th St. Private burial is planned.

Betty, a devoted mother and grandmother and cherished member of her community, was born April 7, 1932, to Curtis Cavin and Elizabeth Mary (Gronau) Padgett on her family’s farm near Newton.

She married her beloved husband, Walter Wayne Ireland, on April 1, 1955, in Hurst, Texas.

He preceded her in death along with her parents, brother John Padgett, and sister Mildred Hamm.

Betty is survived by children Wayne (and wife Kalen) Ireland of Topeka, Wava (and wife Sandy Rudy) Ireland of El Dorado, and Wanda (and husband Fred) Eilts of Benton.

Also surviving are siblings Mary Shillcutt of Issaquah, Washington; Edna (and husband Jerry) Malmgren of Overland Park; and Bill (and wife Mary) Padgett of Flat Rock, North Carolina; sister-in-law Joyce Padgett of Florence; and brother-in-law Gus (and wife Donna) Hamm of Hillsboro.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Christopher (and wife Jennifer) Ireland, Kimberlee (and husband Josh) Turley, Matthew (and wife Tara) Ireland, all of Topeka; Nicholas (and wife Danae) Ireland of Huntsville, Alabama; and Katherine Vaupel of Atlanta, Georgia.

She also was blessed with great-grandchildren Kinsley, Callie, Kolton, Kamden, Ava, Bennett, Jackson, and Emma Kate, along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Church or the United Methodist Church, both of Florence, in care of Jost Funeral Home, 401 S Washington St, Hillsboro KS 67063.

Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com.