Betty L. Laney, 97, died September 7, 2025, in Hutchinson, KS. She was born September 24, 1927, at her grandmother's house in Stafford, KS, to Fred and Lula Wright Hornbaker.
Betty’s family lived in Stafford County before moving to a farm near Sylvia, KS, in 1935. She graduated from Sylvia High School and then attended two years at Abilene Christian College, Abilene, TX, before transferring to Kansas State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1951, Betty married the late Richard Brenner and moved to Hutchinson. They had four children. She became very active in many organizations including her children’s activities, the Kansas State Alumni Association Reno County Catbackers, AAUW, Civitan, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Interfaith Housing. She was a member of Crossroads Christian Church. In 1973, Betty got her real estate license working as a realtor for 33 years, helping and enjoying many people. In 1975, she met Bill Laney. They married in 1980. She enjoyed following Kansas State football teams to Bowl games, working in her yard with flowers, gardening, and bird watching. She enjoyed playing golf and duplicate bridge.
Betty is survived by: daughters, Donna Brenner of Hutchinson and Lori (David) Martinez of Peculiar, MO; sons, Paul (Vicky) Brenner of Marietta, GA and Scott Brenner of Westminster, CO; granddaughters, Sydney and Shelby Martinez and Isabella Brenner; stepdaughters, Ann (Gene) Mueller of Vail, AZ, Jill (Tim) Rogers of San Marcos, TX; and Sue Mercado of New Braunfels, TX; five step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Don Hornbaker of St. John.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Bill.
Private inurnment of Bill and Betty will be in Peace Creek Cemetery, rural Stafford County. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter or Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.