Elizabeth Mary "Betty" Gilkison, 97, a resident of rural Centerville, Kan., died Tuesday morning, April 30, 2013, at Country View Nursing Home in Prescott, Kan. Betty was born Feb. 4, 1916, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph Leo and Marie O'Connell Bartley. She married Thomas Mortimer Gilkison on Oct. 26, 1940. After a honeymoon at Niagara Falls, they began married life in Abilene, Texas. Her husband's chemical engineering career gave them the opportunity to live in a variety of locations, including Monterrey, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and various cities in the U.S., arriving in Overland Park, Kan., in 1968. Betty enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, singing in her church choirs, participating in Holy Cross Sunshine Club and various volunteer activities. In her later years, she was an avid reader and enjoyed bird watching, especially her beloved hummingbirds. Betty and Mort were active in their faith and involved at church and, upon moving to Kansas, helped establish the Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father and younger brother, Joseph. After her husband's death, Betty enjoyed five wonderful years living with, and being cared for by, her daughter. Betty leaves behind many friends and loved ones. She is survived by her son, Thomas of Overland Park, and daughter, Mary and husband Richard Wilson of Centerville. Betty was a strong, thoughtful, loving, giving person with a wonderful sense of humor and sharp wit whose beautiful blue eyes and smile lit up a room. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday May 6, at Church of the Holy Cross, Overland Park. First visitation will be held from 4 to 6 a.m. Sunday, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Second visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to service Monday, at the church. Burial will be 3 p.m. Monday, at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Mound City, Kan. The family suggests contributions to Harry Hynes Hospice. On line condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arr.: Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel.

Published in Kansas City Star on May 5, 2013