Bettie Hamill

Bettie Elaine Stupka Hamill, age 84, of Colby, died at her home from pneumonia and lung complications on November 21, 2022.

Bettie was born in Thomas County, KS on December 2, 1938, to parents Anna Margaret (Janousek) and Lou “L.J.” Stupka. Her family lived on a farm and a house north of town that Lou built himself.

She graduated from Levant High School in 1957. Throughout her life, she worked as office help in the old Colby hospital and dental offices. She became a realtor and then cleaned for the courthouse for many years.

She enjoyed restoring furniture, redecorating her homes, bird watching, garage sales, and riding horses (bareback); when she was a little girl. But most of all, she loved to laugh, tell jokes, and pull pranks. Keeping everyone on their toes with the commentary that she narrated of events.

Bettie married Jimmie Mentlick, and to this union were born her two girls, Lesa Ann and Stacey Danielle. In her later years, around 1997, she became the last companion to Joe Ruddell for 19 years.

When she fell ill due to the effects of her cancer, she moved in with Lesa. Stacy moved home from Wichita to assist in her care.

Bettie was preceded in death by her companion Joe Ruddell; her siblings, Fronie, Sonny, Ed, Chuck, Vivian, Mildred, Bernice, and Hedy; parents Anna and Lou Stupka. Bettie is survived by her brother Bud Stupka and her daughters, Lesa Ann and Stacey Danielle.

A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Bettie Hamill Memorial Fund, to be designated for women’s social services, and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com