Betty J Duncan

Betty Jane Duncan, 85, of rural Westmoreland, Kansas passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas.

Betty was born July 9, 1937, at the family home in rural Flush, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence and Barbara (Rebitzer) Umscheid. She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Flush, Kansas, graduating in 1955. On October 9, 1956, she married Tom Duncan at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Flush.

Betty enjoyed being a farmwife and homemaker. Her greatest pride was raising four children. She showed her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by hosting family gatherings throughout her life. Her signature dishes were homemade doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and chicken noodle soup. Many great memories were formed around her kitchen table.

Throughout the years, Betty’s integral part of the farm included feeding many college and high school farm help (including a son-in-law, a nephew, two grandsons, and one that never left), milking cows, and managing a hog operation. She was still helping move equipment until the time of her death.

She is survived by two daughters; Linda Biesenthal (Rodney) and Barb Harding (Rod); two sons, Mike Duncan (Jeanna) and Kenny Duncan (Janet); five grandchildren, Amber Magnett (Mark), Nikki Biesenthal, Jenna Pickett (Chad), Brad Duncan (Stephanie), and Cody Duncan; eleven great-grandchildren, Wyatt Magnett, Dylan Magnett, Cadan Biesenthal, Makayla Biesenthal, Cale Pickett, C.J. Pickett, Cameron Pickett, Colton Pickett, Kyrie Duncan, Elliot Duncan, and Breyer Duncan; two sisters, Isabel Winterman and Genny Diederich.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six brothers, three sisters, and one granddaughter, Kayla Biesenthal.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Betty will lie in state beginning at 4:00 p.m., with a visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Flush with Fr. Mike Peterson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Huntington’s Foundation or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and be left in care of the Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370  Salzer Road, PO Box 48, Wamego, Kansas 66547.