Betty J. Durland

Betty Jeanne Matherly Durland, 94, of Paola, Kansas went to be with her loving Lord on October 14, 2017 surrounded by family at North Point Skilled Nursing Home in Paola, Kansas. Betty was born on February 18, 1923 to Marvin P. Matherly and Edith Estel (Hubbard) Matherly in Osawatomie, Kansas. She married Clifford Oscar Durland of Paola on July 20, 1945 and they lived the remainder of their lives together in Paola where they raised three children. Upon her marriage to Oscar, she became a member of the First Christian Church of Paola and remained a member until her death. Betty spent many of those years as a Sunday school teacher to the youth of the church, including her grandchildren and Pastor Mike Folsom. She attended Osawatomie High School and was crowned Miss Osawatomie before graduating in 1941. She moved to Wichita in 1942, finding her independence while working for Boeing during W.W. II. Her move to Paola occurred upon her marriage to Oscar where she remained a homemaker until the late 1960s when she became one of the first trained Certified Medication Aids in Kansas. She returned to homemaking to love and care for her grandchildren. Betty is survived by her three children Shirley Durland, Clifford Durland (Roberta), and Melody Smith (Ronnie) all of Paola, Kansas; 9 grandchildren Rod Crane (Rose Ann), Brad Crane (Tammy), Misty Watrous (Matt), Michelle Mercer (Jay), Tabitha Dysart (David), Michael Smith (Angie), Brandon Durland (Samantha), Bryan Durland, and Matthew Smith (Katrina); 21 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and several extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Oscar Durland, her parents, and 2 sisters; Mary (Matherly) Van Horn and Geraldine (Matherly) Piggott; and a grandson, Gene Kelly Crane. Betty was devoted to her family and could be found at all events in support of her children through great-great grandchildren. Always one to support, she never wanted to take the attention away from those she loved. She was an avid reader, often reading three books a week. Betty was a huge Western movie fan and John Wayne was her second love. She loved to travel to see the country she was so proud to live in. Her favorite color was pale blue just like her beloved husband’s eyes. Betty enjoyed the quiet activities of life including drinking tea, bird watching and one-on-one visits with her children and grandchildren. She was always available to help you celebrate, support, or for just a quick hug. Her husband, Oscar, was her one true love and she was ready to return to his caring arms. She will be deeply missed. Betty’s life will be celebrated in her funeral services on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Paola Christian Church, 302 E. Peoria St., Paola, KS. Visitation will be immediately before the service, beginning at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paola Christian Church. To share your memories of Betty or leave a special condolence message for her family, please click the Share A Memory button.