Bette L. Worford

Bette Worford, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100 years and six months. Her long life was a testament to love, resilience, independence, and deep devotion to family.

Bette was born on August 23, 1925, in Colby, Kansas to James C. Byler and Frances Strecker Byler. She was the oldest of three children, growing up alongside her brother, James “Jimmy” Byler, and her sister, Dorothy Sellens. She was raised in Russell, Kansas, where she attended Russell High School and formed lifelong friendships.

On August 13, 1943, Bette married her high school sweetheart, William L. “Bill” Worford, while he was home on leave from the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, Bill attended the University of Kansas, and in 1950 the couple settled in Wichita, where they built their life together and raised their family. Bill later became a Senior Vice-President at Cessna Aircraft Company.

Bette and Bill shared nearly 46 years of marriage before his passing on August 10, 1989. Together, they created a life filled with love, friendship, and adventure. Bette remained fiercely independent, living on her own for more than 36 years after Bill’s death.

She was the proud mother of two children, Stephen W. Worford (Lynda) of Klein, Texas and Kalyn Worford Roberts (Kim) of Plano, Texas. Her greatest joy was her growing family. She adored her four grandchildren—Stephanie Worford Roberts (Brandon), Jamie Worford Smith (Lance McMillan), Scott Roberts (Erica), and Ryan Roberts (Kathryn Webber)—and was a devoted “Memaw” to her six great-grandchildren: Kylie Roberts, McKensie Roberts, CJ Smith, Grace Roberts, Everett, Roberts and Vance Roberts. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart---especially two nieces, Renee Sellens Sarver and Claire Sellens.

Bette lived a full and vibrant life. She was a talented and adventurous spirit, even soloing an airplane at the age of 50. In 1990, she embraced a new adventure by taking her first ski trip to Copper Mountain Colorado with her family—just another example of her willingness to try new things at any stage of life

She enjoyed playing golf and socializing with friends at Rolling Hills Country Club and was a devoted fan of the Kansas Jayhawks.

She cherished lifelong friendships, including those with Jim and Mary Frances Grady and their family, as well as with high school friend Norma Jean “Dolie” Dole Steel, sister of Bob Dole. After Bill’s retirement, he and Bette travelled frequently to Texas to visit Steve and Kalyn and their families. They also spent time in the Texas “hill country” while visiting her brother Jimmy and his family, playing golf and enjoying life. Bette continued to make the trips to Texas after Bill’s death. Her love of travel took her across the United States and throughout Europe, usually with Mary Frances Grady.

In 2001, Bette moved to Klein, Texas, to be closer to her family. She had almost daily contact with Steve and his family, and frequent visits from Kalyn and her family. Following a brief illness in 2023, her doctors recommended that she not live by herself, and she transitioned to assisted living at Woodglen Court Community, where she was cared for with compassion.

In her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her entire family, who were able to spend a meaningful weekend together just before her passing.

Gathered with her family, Bette celebrated her 100th birthday on August 23, 2025—a milestone that reflected a life well lived. She will be remembered for her strength, independence, warmth, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Bette will be laid to rest next to Bill on March 20, 2026 in Wichita, Kansas. A memorial celebration of her life will be held later in 2026.