Betty Jean (Peterson) Gifford

Betty Jean Gifford, 98, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away on March 8, 2021 at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. She was born October 29, 1922 in Brookville, Kansas, the daughter of George and Pearl Tanner Peterson. Betty resided in Hutchinson from 1967 until moving to Lyons in 2003. She was a housekeeper and a waitress at Jack’s Drive-In, Lyons. Betty was a member of Westside Baptist Church, Hutchinson, a lifetime member of the Lyons VFW, and a member of the Rebekah Lodge #358, Hutchinson. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and word search puzzles. On February 26, 1965, Betty was united in marriage with Tommy Gifford in Lakin, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 23, 1991. She is also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Wynona Imel; five brothers, Richard, Hugh, George, Merlin and Herman; four sisters, Hattie, Evelyn, Melva, and Alva; and a great-great-grandson, Benjamin Imel. Betty is survived by her two daughters, Donna McBeth and husband Wilbur, and Roberta Serbin both of Lyons; step-daughter, Sherry Jo Fuller of Carthage, MO; son-in-law, Paul Imel of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren, Rebecca McBeth, Teressa Newkirk and husband Delane, Rhonda Bixby and husband Greg, Robyn Serbin, Michelle Stoll, Angie Imel, and Gina Imel; ten great grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 1:00, Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the Assembly of God Church, Lyons with Pastor Larry Schumacher officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Memorials may be given to the Bell and Star Fund and the Lyons Public Library in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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