Obituary of Betty Gearhart

Betty Gearhart of Coffeyville, passed away on June 30, 2014, her 91st birthday. Friends may call on Friday, July 4, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 304 W. 10th in Coffeyville Saturday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Nicole Schwartz officiating. Following the service, burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville. Born on June 30, 1923 in Junction City, KS to Carl and Zadel (Tracy) Brockman, Betty attended Junction City Schools and went to work at the Pentagon in Washington, DC during WWII. Betty married Robert Dewey Gearhart in Junction City on April 25, 1943. They lived briefly in Junction City and El Dorado, KS before moving to Coffeyville in 1948. Betty was a homemaker but also worked for the Coffeyville Safety Bureau before returning to college and achieving a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She then worked for SRS as a case worker until her retirement. A talented pianist and organist, Betty accompanied many local vocalists and instrumentalists. She was church organist at the First Methodist Church for many years. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church, UMW and Matinee Musical. Betty was predeceased by her parents, three sisters and a brother. She is survived by husband, Dewey, of Coffeyville; daughter, Linda Meeds (husband Steve)of Houston, TX; son, Larry Gearhart (wife Brenda) of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Lois Gladstone (husband, Steven) of Overland Park, KS; and brother Carl (wife, Mary) Brockman of Manhattan, KS. She is also survived by grandchildren Shelley Meeds of Little Elm, TX; Angie Meeds of Houston, TX, Jason Gearhart (wife Kathy) of Live Oak, TX and Sherice Gearhart of Omaha, NE. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Betty's name; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.