Betty was the oldest of three children born to her parents in Newton at Axtell Hospital. Her parents farmed (wheat, milo, hay, livestock) east of Walton. She began her education attending a one-room school then following her graduation from high school, Betty married and became the mother of four children—two living in Newton, one living in El Dorado, and one living in Missouri.
Following her divorce she met Gaylen Youk through mutual friends. He was employed in road and bridge work in Marion county. They were married in September 1988, blending their families—Gaylen’s three children with Betty’s four—and established their home in Durham. Through the years, grandchildren and great grandchildren have increased the number of the clan.
To supplement their income, Betty drove a school bus and eventually became a school custodian never missing a day of work due to weather, car trouble, etc. She worked at North Ridge Grade School (K-4) here in Newton and retired in 2002.
Gaylen’s death in April 2017 compelled Betty to start serious downsizing and checking out our area residential communities. With the support of her family and recommendations of friends, Betty decided upon Kansas Christian Home. Her choice was confirmed when she was greeted by her new neighbors on Duncan Terrace who said something to the effect that “You know us and you moved in anyway!”
Now, nearly four years later, Betty has only words of praise and gratitude for her new home at KCH. She enjoys gardening and especially living without the responsibility of lawn mowing and home repairs and maintenance. It’s her connection to friends and family miles away or just a few doors down that enriches Betty’s life.