Betty J. Withrow, 91, of Chetopa, died at 8:46 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at her home. Born April 17, 1930, in Chetopa, Betty was the daughter of John Cecil “J.C.” and Cinderella Florence (Mills) Brown. She grew up and attended schools in Chetopa, graduating from Chetopa High School.
After raising her family, Betty returned to school and earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University. She worked as a special education teacher for Chetopa schools for a number of years. She was an active member of the Community Bible Church in Chetopa and in earlier years, she was a member of the Assembly of God in Chetopa. Betty was also an active member of the Shawnee Tribe. A lifelong resident of Chetopa, Betty contributed her time and talents to the museum and the library and served on the Election Board.
Betty was a very talented and well-known musician in the area. As a tribute to her Shawnee heritage, she enjoyed replicating Indian jewelry and clothing. She also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with her husband and parents over the years.
Betty and Robert Withrow were united in marriage June 28, 1947 at the Assembly of God parsonage in Chetopa. He preceded her in death August 4, 2001.
Betty is survived by her sons, Robert H. Withrow, Jr. of Chetopa and
John M. “Buck” Withrow (wife, Elsie), of Claremore, Okla. Three grandchildren, Greg Begley (wife, Gina); Katye Duvall (husband, Brent); and Jon Andrew Withrow (wife, Tamara); ten great-grandchildren , Joey Begley, Jacob Begley, Jonathan Begley, Laura Begley, Leaha Begley, Sophia Duvall, Khloe Duvall, John David Duvall, Jude Duvall and Jon Wyatt Withrow; along with many nieces and nephews also survive.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Withrow, Sr.; one grandson, Joey Begley; two brothers, Robert J. Brown and James N. Brown; and one sister, Jo Ann Copple. The funeral service was held Thursday, March 17, at
The funeral service was held Thursday, March 17, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.
Memorials are suggested to the Community Bible Church Missions. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.