Betty Mae Gawith, 87, Minneapolis, was born July 17, 1933 in Concordia, to Louie and Rama (Slater) Collins. Betty passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 16, 2020.
Betty graduated in 1951 from Aurora High School. On August 4, 1951, in Aurora KS, Betty married the love of her life, LeRoy Maynard Gawith. Betty and LeRoy enjoyed dancing, jitterbugging, playing cards and watching their great grandchildren play sports. Betty and LeRoy made a life together in Delphos, Hill City, and Red Cloud, NE before making their permanent residence of 33 years in Minneapolis. Betty lived her life caring for others, until she retired at the age of 80, from The Good Samaritan Nursing Home.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Rama and Louie Collins; her sister, Lucille Hazlett; and her brother, Elmer Collins.
Betty is survived by her husband, LeRoy Gawith of the home; her son, Jim (Kay) Gawith of Minneapolis; daughter, Joni (Curtis) Crosson of Hutchinson; granddaughters, Lezlie (Damon) McKinney of Minneapolis, Aimee (T.J.) Trout of Minneapolis, Aricca (Matthew) Wallace of Manhattan, Monicca (Robert) King of Manhattan, Tara (Beauyett) Young of Manhattan; grandson, Jayme (Dari) Gawith of Andover; six great-grandsons; six great-granddaughters; and one great-great grandson; and many nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, August 20 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Minneapolis. Everyone is welcome to attend the graveside service at 3:00 P.M. at Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis. Following the graveside, everyone is invited to Curtis and Joni’s at 1625 Rifle Road, Minneapolis.
The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Salina or VFW Auxiliary #3201 and may be mailed to Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.