It is with profound sadness and love that we mourn the passing of our beloved Mother, Betty Ann Rumsey, 95, of Hutchinson, Kansas, who passed away peacefully at The Wesley on June 26, 2026.

Betty was born at home near Little River in Rice County, Kansas, and raised as a “country girl” on the farm until her parents relocated to Hutchinson where she attended Obee Grade School and then Buhler High School. During her junior year at Buhler, she met her future husband, Jim. Together, Jim and Betty raised a daughter (Nancy Hughbanks of Wichita) and two sons (Randy, deceased and Roger of Ivins, Utah).

Betty delighted in taking her young family to the Lyons and Little River area to spend time with her brothers and sisters on their farms. These visits allowed her children to glimpse a peaceful, hardworking and industrious lifestyle that she experienced in her youth. While declaring she “would never return to the farm”, deep-down she was a “country girl” at heart.

As a young family, the Rumsey clan enjoyed an adventurous lifestyle. Whether embarking on long cross-country vacations with all five blissfully packed into an underpowered and cramped truck camper or motorhome, loaded down with 5 tiny motorcycles, while towing the ever-present boat. In lieu of long-distance sojourns, the family would escape the summer weekends and visit Kansas lakes throughout the state. On any of these journeys, Betty was always the ringleader to insert as much adventure (sometimes borderline danger) into the experience. Whether getting the entire family kicked off go-kart tracks, leading cringe worthy hikes, jumping wakes on water skis, or speeding recklessly on a motorcycle or dune buggy, Betty injected fun, laughter, and accomplishment into every family experience.

Betty and Jim owned and operated the highly successful Rumsey Sports Center in South Hutchinson for over thirty years. Together their partnership fostered Betty’s business acumen in accounting, marketing, and budgeting. Her guiding principle always being, “I’m not bossy, I just have better ideas than anyone else!” Betty focused on managing the office while Jim focused on sales and repairs. The success of their business afforded Betty and Jim many opportunities to travel domestically and internationally to boat and RV dealership meetings and conventions. Upon retirement, Betty continued working in various retail businesses such as Hutchinson Floral and Hutchinson Concrete, which satisfied her desire for social interaction and “dressing to the nines”. Betty eventually retired in her 70’s with Jim, where they enjoyed lovely Kansas sunsets on their back porch at the Highlands. In addition, much of their retirement was devoted to traveling and visiting their expanding family of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Betty and Jim enjoyed many healthy and prosperous years in retirement before health issues prompted a move to The Wesley. After 64 years of devoted marriage, Jim preceded Betty in death in 2015. Their family is grateful for the devoted care and support they received while residents there.

Betty will forever be remembered for her infectious laugh, vigor for adventure, devotion to family, and a radiant smile. It’s been a memorable journey, Mom. We Love You

Betty was preceded in death by Husband Jim, Son Randy (1990), Son in Law Steve Hughbanks (2024), and Grandson in law, Mike Warner (2025). She is survived by her Daughter Nancy Hughbanks of Wichita and Son and Daughter in Law Roger and Lorilee of Ivins, Utah. She is also survived by 3 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren and 11 Great Great Grandchildren with 2 more little boys on the way.

Click here to view Betty's funeral service.

The funeral service will be at 10:00am Monday July 13, 2026 at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Hester Care Center, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.