Betty Ruth McConnell, 83, of Hutchinson, died July 12, 2024, at Hospice House surrounded by her family. She was born May 7, 1941, in Hutchinson, to Chester L. and Easter L. (Kelman) Ravens.
Betty graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1960 and attended Hutchinson Community College and completed her education at Salt City Business College. Betty began working at an early age at Shurtz Produce. Then she went to work at Sears as a Department Manager for 17 years. Betty then went to work for Davis Home Center / Star Lumber & Supply until she retired in 2006. After retirement, she went to Delos V. Smith Senior Citizens Center, where she taught her passion of quilting. She loved camping and crafting of all kinds – toll painting, ceramics, sewing, and especially quilting. Betty made many quilts for her family and friends. Her favorite sport was auto racing, from the local dirt track where family and friends raced, to traveling to her grandson kart racing and to even going to NASCAR races. She always sat in row 21 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Betty enjoyed going to any event where her grandchildren were involved as they were what she cherished the most. Betty was a member of Sunflower Ramblers RV Club and South Hutchinson United Methodist Church. She believed in working hard and loved taking trips, it did not matter where, often times to just get an ice cream sundae.
On April 22, 1961, Betty married Larry A. McConnell at South Hutchinson United Methodist Church. He survives.
Also surviving are: her children, Henton McConnell (Marsha) of Hutchinson, Shane McConnell of Buhler, Alicia Ochs (Danno) of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Brandy Yengbe (Prince) and their children Maya and Theodore, of Wichita, Aaron McConnell (Kristina) and their son Otto, of Andover, Daniel Ochs of Overland Park, Nathan Ochs of Hutchinson, and Dawson McConnell of Buhler.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Scott.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, 206 E. Avenue E, South Hutchinson. Burial will take place at a later date.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday thru Tuesday, with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Social Services, Hospice House, or Delos V. Smith Senior Citizens Center, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.