Betty J. Goetz, age 91, passed away July 4, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born Dec. 13, 1933, in Crestwood, Kent., the second child of Enoch and Alberta King. Betty married Marvin Joseph Goetz on June 2, 1952, in Russell, Kan. Marvin passed away July 30, 1990. She then married Joe Smith in August 1997. Joe passed away April 2017.

Betty was born during the Great Depression; however, she refused to let that, or any other difficulty, define her life. Betty received her Real Estate Broker’s license in 1966, and founded, owned and operated her Real Estate office as a certified Real Estate Broker. She was active in many professional associations, such as the National Association of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors, and the local Board of Realtors. Having a passion for writing, Betty authored and published the book, “The Miracle at the Apple Tree.” 

Betty is survived by her two sons, Steve Goetz and wife Jean of Great Bend, and Chris Goetz and his wife Sue of Phoenix; four grandchildren, Garrett Goetz, Amber Hamm and husband Lucas, Katie Wheeler and husband Willie, and Joey; and five great grandchildren, Jaxson, Brooks, Colt, Andrew and Aria. She was preceded in passing by her husbands, Marvin Goetz and Joe Smith.

Private family graveside interment services will be held at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. Memorials are designated to Meals on Wheels, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 8, 2025