Betty Jean Brooks, 85, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born Dec. 31, 1929, to John and Edith (Crow) Sanders in Pueblo, Colo.

In 1948, she married James Brooks in Pueblo, Colo. Betty graduated from Centennial High School, Pueblo, Colo., in 1948. She graduated from Hutchinson Community College in 1974 and from Sterling College, as Summa Cum Laude, in 1976. Betty was employed as a Financial Aid Officer at HCC, owner of Man Del Co., and volunteered many years with RSVP and the VITA program. She led Sunday school classes and mentored many young adults. She was a member of UM Women from 1962 to 2009 and received the UMC Woman of the Year Award twice.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, James; her daughter, Sandy Linebarger (James) of Hutchinson; son, Hal Brooks of Wichita; grandson, Clayton Linebarger of San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy; granddaughter, Aggie Linebarger Nickelson (Travis) of Wichita; grandson, Austin Brooks of Wichita; brother, John Sanders (Coeta) of Chandler, Ariz.; stepsister, Glennell Spangler (Pete) of Pueblo, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Emma, and Madelyn Nickelson. She was preceded in death by her mother and father. Betty's infectious smile will be remembered by many. She lived for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When asked if she hurt anywhere her response was always no, and that the only way she would ever hurt would be if she could not see her kids.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, with Pastors Tim Carey and Phil Vickers presiding. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorial contributions may be made to HCC Endowment Fund or Lutheran Church Charities, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.