Longtime Agra, KS resident Betty Ella McCormack passed away on November 24, 2021, at the Herington Municipal Hospital in Herington, KS at the age of 90.
She was born November 29, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Otis “Jack” Reynolds and Juanita LaMae (Davis) Reynolds-Love.
Betty was married to husband Elbert at Plainville, KS on March 18, 1947, for 45 years until his death in 1992. Her early childhood years during the great depression, and growing up as an only child, had a lasting impact on her life. Leaving school for the work force as a young teenager and married soon after, Betty was a hard worker and determined to provide better for her children. She made sure her children always knew they were loved, were never hungry, and that they paid close attention to their schooling. Betty took great joy in seeing her family grow and flourish, and absolutely loved seeing the extended family gather at her home for the holidays. She was well known for the lavish home-cooked meals she orchestrated during these times. Betty was so proud of all her family, never passing on an opportunity to tell those around her how blessed she felt.
Betty spent 33-years in food service at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, Kansas, and was deeply committed to providing a consistently high quality of service to the patients and guests her department served. As proud as Betty was of her family, that same sentiment applied to those she felt privileged to work with at the hospital. The hospitality she espoused in her career, and required of her staff, carried over to Betty’s home as well. Friend, family, or other, no one left her home hungry or wanting for compassion. Betty was a beautiful spirit that will long be remembered by her family and friends for her kind smile, enduring love, and relentless support.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elbert Marion McCormack, son Myron T “Mac” McCormack, daughter-in-law Cheryl Synoground, and granddaughter Holly Synoground.
She is survived by daughters Rhonda Simpson (husband Gene) of Herington, Kansas, Bonita Smith of Agra, Kansas, and Jacquelyn “Jackie” Wilson (husband Jim) of Agra, Kansas, foster son Richard “Butch” Synoground of Smith Center, Kansas, and daughter-in-law Roberta Quanz-McCormack of Agra, Kansas, 18 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Dave Hutson officiating. Burial will follow in the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, KS.
Mrs. McCormack will lie in state from Noon until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Agra American Legion Auxiliary or the Herington V.F.W. Auxiliary c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.