Betty Lou Ventura

Betty L. Ventura, 89, died November 18, 2023, at Parkview Heights Care Center in Garnett, KS.

She was born November 30, 1933 in Exchange, WV, and lived there for ten years before moving to Ohio, and then on to Kansas City, KS. She attended Rosedale High School where she met her future husband. Betty and Earl eloped on July 31, 1951, prior to moving to North Carolina where Earl served in the military. Betty and Earl raised five children while living in Paola. During that time, Betty was devoted to the caring and education of children with special needs. She was proud to be involved in the development of the initial program of caring for handicapped children here in Paola. Beginning in a small cottage on the grounds of Ursuline Academy, then to a brand new Lakemary Center, and then lastly she finished her Special Education career at Prairie View High School, LaCygne, KS.

During the summer months, Betty spent many days teaching swimming lessons with her friends at the Paola pool. Betty was a lifetime member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Paola, After her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at the Paola Free Library and was a Youth Friend at Paola Middle School.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Earl.

Survivors include her five children; sons Bob (Jana), Jim (Dianne), and John (Patty); daughters Sherry (Maurice) Ball and Susan (Tim) Ahrens; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Paola on Friday, November 24th. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:30, with the funeral service following. Burial will take place at the Paola Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Paola Free Library or Good Shepherd Hospice c/o Dengel and Son Mortuary 305 N. Pearl Paola, Kansas 66071