Born and raised in Seneca, Kansas, Betty demonstrated immense inner strength early in life after facing the loss of her mother at the age of 13. A testament to her enduring fortitude. She later fought and won a personal battle, becoming an ovarian cancer survivor in her 30's.
She pursued her nursing education at Avila University, ultimately earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Betty dedicated over 45 years of her life to the service of others as an active Registered Nurse (RN). Throughout her distinguished career, she worked at General Hospital, Providence Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center touching countless lives while working across clinical positions, healthcare management, and case management.
Outside of her professional calling, Betty embraced a simple social life. She took great joy in playing bridge and looked forward to regular lunch dates spent in the company of her nieces and dear friends. She enjoyed reading every day and playing puzzles on the iPad. Betty was also a passionate dog lover; over the years, her home was filled with love from "fur babies” Max, Sam, Ebony and Bravo—her dogs who brought her immeasurable happiness.
She was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and her OakShire neighborhood for over 50 years.
Proceeded in death by her parents Louis August Haefele and Ella Marie Hurley of Lenexa, KS, all her siblings Helen (Haefele) Schmelzle, Louis Haefele, Leonard Haefele, Mary (Haefele) Beatty, Rosella (Haefele) Solar.
Survived by numerous nieces and nephews, Betty was the last of her generation in the family. Her life knowledge, kindness, and warm companionship will be deeply missed by her nieces, close friends, former colleagues, and neighbors.
Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, 11300 103rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66214, on August 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with the Rosary at 10:35 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am, with livestream available at https://www.youtube.com/c/HolySpiritOnline. A Graveside Service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 6115 Quivira Road, Shawnee, Kansas 66216, following Mass. There will be a luncheon back at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish after the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made in Betty’s honor to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF), Catholic Charities, or Holy Spirit Catholic Parish.
