Elizabeth Ruth (Burns) "Betty" Hooper, was born in Queens, NY where her father worked for the U.S. Customs Service as a chemist. She was the second of five children born to Bobby and Ruth Burns.
Her father became seriously ill in 1923 and died the following year, leaving her mother Ruth with five children under the age of eight. Ruth returned home to Wichita where she raised her children with the help of her parents, O.J. and Ozeta Gilbert.
Betty graduated from East High School in 1935 and remained in Wichita throughout her life.
She married Clarence Hooper in 1938 and raised three children: Dean, Earl and Linda.
Betty operated a restaurant with her husband and worked in businesses in downtown Wichita for many years. Teaching knitting and crafts through Innes Department Store, she made many friends and for years was involved in caring for older friends as well as her grandmother and mother.
After the death of her husband in 1993, Betty moved to El Dorado, Kansas, to be near her daughter Linda. For the last four years, she has resided at the Lake Point Care Center where she has received loving care. She died there with her daughter at her side.
Betty will always be remembered for her spirit and independence. She leaves a large extended family all over the country who will mourn the last of the "Five Burns Kids".
A service and burial of ashes will be held on May 20th at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1806 North Oliver, Wichita, Kansas.
Contact: earlhooper@comcast.net for information or family contact.