Betty Lewis Niles

Betty Jeane Niles, daughter of W.E. and Lillie (Lytle) Lewis, was born in Esbon, Kansas, on April 7, 1928.  She passed away at her home on Saturday, January 20, 2007, at the age of 78 years, 9 months, and 13 days.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Merle Lewis; and her husband, W. H. "Bud" Niles, on January 12, 2006.

On August 12, 1950, she was united in marriage to Bud Niles in Long Beach, California.  They made their home there until 1987, when they moved back to Esbon.

Betty was an optical secretary for 34 years with American Optical, and later worked as a part-time secretary for Gulf Oil, Reynolds Aluminum, and the Los Alamitos School District in California.

She was a member of the United Methodist and First Christian Church of Esbon, the Esbon Seniorettes, the Jewell County Council on Aging, and had been a member of the Esbon Lions Club until health problems caused her to resign.  She acted as a part-time librarian and enjoyed and participated in many local activities.

Betty's hobbies were reading, bowling, and crocheting.  Several of her crochet items had been entered in the local and state fairs.

She leaves to mourn her passing one step-daughter, Christine and husband, Gene Muenzler of Canyon Lake, Texas; one step-son, Dennis and wife, Linda Niles of San Antonio, Texas; six grandchildren - Kevin and wife, Sharon Muenzler, Gary and wife, Elizabeth Muenzler, Shawndy  Muenzler Ball, Denise Niles and husband, Rob Canales, Deena Niles and husband, Mark Bridges, and Darrin and wife, Brandii Niles; fourteen great-grandchildren.  Very special family members - Paula and Jerry Voboril, Judy and Jerry Diehl, Jerry and Trudi Lewis, Sylvia and Erwin Batha, plus a host of friends and relatives.

A celebration of Betty Lewis Niles life was held Monday, January 29, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., at the United Methodist and First Christian Church, Esbon, Kansas, with Pastor Laura Fricker officiating.  Music was provided by Amanda Wanner and Jerry Lewis.  Casket bearers were:  Jerry Diehl, Jerry Lewis, Jerry Voboril, Corey Voboril, Gary Kirchhoff, Kalyn Diehl, and Darrin Niles.  Interment was in the Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas.  The family suggests memorials to the Church, or the Esbon Seniorettes.  Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.