Betty Lou Kenton, 96, died at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte on June 4th, 2023.
She was born September 30th, 1926 in Drum, Missouri to Charles and Minnie (Thiele) Mabrey. She grew up in southern Missouri. During World War II her family moved to Richmond, California in hopes of seeing her three brothers who were all serving in the Navy. Her family moved back home to Missouri, where she went on to graduate from high school in St. Louis. In 1943, her brother Dale brought home his close shipmate, Orville Kenton, and two years later Betty and Orville were married December 21st, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri. They had three children: Patricia, Larry and Joy. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in Missouri and eventually returned to Orville’s home state of Nebraska. Betty went back to working outside of the home in 1965. She is most remembered in the community for her over 15 years of service with the Hershey Telephone Company where she retired as General Manager. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. After losing her husband (March 17th, 1998) Betty continued cherishing her grandchildren and attending their endless activities. She also looked forward to her weekly pitch games and enjoyed traveling and attending other activities with her friends.
Memorials may be made to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband Orville, her parents, sister and three brothers.
Survivors include her daughter Pat (Jerry) Sampson of Interior, SD, son Larry (June) Kenton of Kearney, NE, and daughter Joy Kenton Walker of Hershey, NE, nine grandchildren Shannon (Gilbert) Grooms, T.K. Sampson, Michael Sampson, Kerry (Matt) Kechely, Craig (Shannon) Kenton, Katie (Dustin) Bolton, Chris Kenton, Sarah (Lynn) Campbell, Sabrina (Shawn) Kizer, eight great grandchildren Kennedy and Schuyler Kechely, Griffin and Eva Grooms, Aubrey and Molly Betty Kenton, Cooper and Kace Sampson, sister-in-law Bernie Kenton, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Monday, June 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Hershey. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery Maxwell, NE. Visitation will be Sunday, June 11th from 1 - 3 pm.
The service will be livestreamed via www.adamsswanson.com. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.