Betty Rundel

Betty Lou Rundel (Christiansen), 85, was born in Colby, KS September 20, 1934 and passed away Monday, September 14, 2020 at Swedish Medical Center, Denver, CO. Betty married John R. Rundel (Johnny) on April 17, 1954 in Raton, NM. She was a homemaker, businesswoman and farmer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Johnny Rundel; son Robert (Bob) Rundel; her parents, Arley and Rosa (Dotie) Christiansen; brother, Baby Christiansen and brother-in-law Skip Runzel.

She is survived by her siblings, Bonnie (Christiansen) Biggs and husband Walt, of McDonald, Ken Christiansen and wife Janet, Brewster, Kay (Christiansen) Runzel, of St. Francis; children, John A. Rundel and wife Zita, of Trenton, NE, daughter-in-law Pam Rundel Arnold, of Farnum, NE, Chris Rundel and wife Clarris, of Topeka and Tom and wife Nancy, of Levant; grandchildren, James Rundel, Lenay Rundel Marteney and husband Justin, Wyatt Rundel, Brady Rundel, Tatym Rundel, Adam Rundel, Case Rundel and Colton Rundel; great-grandchildren, Brittan Marteney and Breelyn Marteney; nephews, Monty Biggs, Ron Williams, Brad Williams, and A.J. Williams and cousin Glen Young, Hudson, CO.

Betty led a busy life full of family, farming, animals and hard work. She took great pride in her poultry flock, winning Grand Champion many times at the Thomas County Free Fair. As a former 4-H’er, who had the Grand Champion Steer during her 4-H years, she instilled a love for 4-H and animals in her grandchildren and supported their efforts in raising and showing livestock. Many great memories are wrapped around Grandma Betty’s campsite during fair week. There were always plenty of snacks, a place to nap and water or pop for her grandchildren and their friends. She had a love for all animals, dogs, cats, poultry, sheep and cattle. Over the years she fed bottle lambs and bucket calves, and adopted several dogs and cats from vet clinics and animal shelters. She was well known as a “good feeder” of her animals who were all plump and happy.

Betty was also proud of her farm, and in earlier years did most of the farming herself after Johnny’s death in 1988. Once her sons and grandsons were able to do the farming, she kept a close watch and fixed many “field lunches” to keep them well fed. She also worked for Wal-Mart as a CSM from 1989 until 2006, even getting a chance to have coffee with Wal-Mart founder, Sam Walton.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17 from 5-7 pm, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 18 at 11:00 am in Beulah Cemetery, Colby, KS. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Northwest Kansas Animal Shelter, Goodland, KS, Thomas County Historical Society or the Prairie Museum of Art and History, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com