Martha Butel

Martha L. (Betz) Butel, 89, of Overbrook, KS passed away November 11, 2018 at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, KS. She was born March 18, 1929 the daughter of Perry Betz and Mary (Spurlock) Betz in Lebanon, KS. Martha grew up in the Glen Elder, KS area working at her father’s weekly newspaper the "Glen Elder Sentinel". She graduated from Beloit High School with the class of 1947 and then went on to graduate from Kansas State University in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

After graduating from college Martha worked in Topeka as proofreader for the Cappers Weekly Magazine. One evening a friend invited her to a dance at the four corners dance hall near Overbook. There she met John Butel.

On March 18, 1956, Martha was united in marriage to John Butel at the First United Methodist Church in Topeka, KS. They celebrated their sixty-second year of marriage this March.

Martha was a homemaker and farmers wife for the remainder of her life. She was also the bookkeeper for the Rural Water District #5 of Osage County from it beginning in 1970 until John and Martha retired in 2004.

Martha was a member of the Overbrook United Methodist Church. She loved to read her entire life. She was always in the mood for a cup of coffee and enjoyed the many trips that John and she took throughout the world. From Alaska to Mexico to Italy, they loved to see the world together, especially on their many cruises. Martha was also a devoted fan to her alma mater, Kansas State University. Purple was her favorite color and she was always excited to see her school play in any sport.

Martha is survived by her husband, John of Overbrook; three sons, John L. Butel and his wife, Stephanie, West Des Moines, IA, Larry W. Butel and his wife, Boni, Overbrook, KS, James A. Butel and his wife, Chellie, Arnold, MO; and seven grandchildren, Bryan, Tyler, Brock, Gabriel, Abigail, Juliette, and Vivienne.

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter Sue Ann Butel; and seven siblings, Helen Kampschroeder, Mary Duroche, Ray Betz, George Betz, Perry Betz, Jr., Katy Betz, and Enza Betz.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Overbrook United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Overbrook Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 16, 2018 at Greenwood-Roberts Funeral Home, Overbook, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Overbrook Library or Overbrook United Methodist Church sent in c/o Greenwood-Roberts Funeral Home, 730 Western Heights Drive, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences may be sent to the family through lamb-roberts.com.