Betty L. (Schemm) McLaren, 87, of Hays, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at Hays Medical Center, Hays. She was born March 21, 1934, in WaKeeney, the daughter of Joseph and Eva (Schwien) Schemm. On Jan. 16, 1954, she married Merle R. McLaren in Wichita.bThey were together for 67 years, and were blessed with 10 wonderful children.
Betty was a homemaker, and a selfless mother. Her primary concern in life was always the welfare of her family. She loved people in general, and doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a graduate of Trego High School, WaKeeney. Her husband Merle was a career member of the USAF, and together with their growing family traveled to many areas of the free world.
Survivors include her husband, Merle R. McLaren, of the home; her children, Terrence K. McLaren and wife, Carla, Fort Meyers, Fla.; Laurie A. Johnson and husband, Kris, Hawaii; Debra A. McLaren, Hays; Erin P. Filbert and husband, Myron, Ness City; Nita M. Tan and husband Mark, Moore, Okla.; Daniel J. McLaren and wife, Lisa, Hays; Michael J. McLaren and wife, Arlena, Baldwin City; Keri A. McLaren and Charlie Stephens, Dodge City; Eva M. Parrott and husband. Richard, Hays; 13 grandchildren, Celisa Johnson, Wichita; Christopher Johnson and wife. Stephanie, Ellis; Krina Reinert and husband, Chad, Ness City; Leah Rodriguez and husband, Hector, Ness City; Kristen Karst and husband, T.J., Hays; Emma McLaren, Knoxville, Tenn.; Jillian McLaren, Baldwin City; Josselyn Dunagan and husband, Colby, Scott City; Jaelyn McLaren and wife, Emily, Little Elm, Texas; Jessie McLaren, Moore, Okla.; Rachel Linenberger and husband, Ross, Hays; Haley Parrott, Hays; Traven Parrott, Hays; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Harold Schemm; two sons, Sean P. McLaren and Joel T. McLaren; and a grandchild, Desirae Filbert.
There will be a celebration of Betty’s life along with inurnment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made payable to: Hays Medical Center Foundation in care of the mortuary.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd St., Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left at guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.