Etta Bethe

Elaine Williams Bethe, born Etta Elaine Perry on August 7, 1934, in Junction City, Kansas, passed away on April 11, 2024, in Abilene, Kansas, at the age of 89. She was married to Conley Williams on February 11, 1950. To this marriage were born 5 children. They later divorced and Elaine married Donald Bethe on May 13, 1989. She was the matriarch of her immediate and extended family. Her greatest joy was raising her family and watching them spread their wings as they went out into the world.
Elaine, a graduate of Brown-Mackey Business College, had a successful career as the executive secretary at Great Plains Insurance Company in Salina, Kansas, until her retirement. She was a dedicated member of Carlton First Presbyterian and New Basel United Church of Christ places of worship.
She loved to swim, and watch her kids and grand children play sports. Later, she spent time at the lake fishing and who could forget all the nights playing pinochle and bridge. In her free time, Elaine enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, watching sports, and raising her five children. She will be remembered for her love of family and her nurturing spirit.
Elaine is survived by her children: Walt (Kathy) Williams of Wilton, IA, JoLane (Charles) Poindexter of Roanoke, Virginia, Richard (Kimberly) Williams of Bangs, TX, Vona (Terry) Schwarz of Carlton, KS, Keith (Marla) Williams of Bangs, TX, along with 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Surviving step children are Candy (Will) Green of Hutchinson, KS, Mark (Holly) Bethe of Hope, KS., 6 step grandchildren, and 9 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Conley Williams and Don Bethe, five siblings and stepson Alan Bethe.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 8:00 am at Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am. Burial will be at 2pm at Woodlawn Cemetery of rural Carlton. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County, Abilene, KS.
Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene, Kansas, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.