Betty J. Van Riper, 81, died Oct. 2, 2008, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.

She was born Feb. 15, 1927, in Salina, the daughter of Verge and Edith Walker Schriner. She graduated in 1945, from Hutchinson High School. A resident of Hutchinson, she was a homemaker.

She belonged to the First United Methodist Church, Double Circle Sunday School Class of the church, Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Women's Auxiliary Unit No. 68, and the Art Association, Hutchinson. In 1946, she married Harold L. "Van" Van Riper in St. John. He died April 2, 2004.

Survivors include: a son, Jack W. and his wife Diana, Hutchinson; a brother, Gary Schriner and wife Joyce, Hutchinson; two grandchildren, Rick Ridpath and Dawn Marx; three great-grandchildren, Dustin, Darian and Dalton Marx; nephews, Shane Schriner, Shannon Schriner and wife Michel, and children; and nieces, Sharon Folk and family, Rita Milam and husband Michael and family, and Joy Jones and husband Johnny.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Dewey R. "Bud" Smith, Paul W. "Mike" Smith and Virgil Smith.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the register from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary. Private family inurnment will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Victory in the Valley, the First United Methodist Church or Hospice of Reno County, all in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.