Betty Lee Baker Lemley was born and raised in Minneapolis, Kansas, the eldest of ten siblings. As a grade-schooler, she rode a horse to attend a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Minneapolis High School. At the age of 18 she met her perfect partner, C. Burl Lemley, who was stationed at Schilling Air Force Base (formerly Smokey Hill Air Force Base) while he served in the forces during World War II as a Celestial Navigation Trainer. At the time, Betty was a Marymount College freshman and evidently impressed Burl with her captivating dance moves at a school-sponsored dance.
They married soon after and spent over 50 happy years together. He was always her check-and-balance while she added a zest of life to his engineer’s precision. Most of their 50 plus years were spent in Beaumont, Texas. They built their own home there, designed by Burl, on Taylor’s Bayou, and treasured their encounters with birds and aquatic life – even alligators! They golfed often together and were consummate and gracious hosts for a large social circle.
Betty was an accomplished cook, as well as a lively conversationalist. She was active in many philanthropies and social clubs. Betty was also an ardent animal lover, and throughout her life owned and adored many dogs and cats. She and Burl traveled extensively throughout the world and spent extended time in Italy learning the language and perfecting their photography skills. A life-long lover of the arts, Betty obtained her master’s degree in fine arts from Lamar University at the age of 67. Although she lived in Texas for most of her life, her vibrantly colored canvases often reflected the big, dramatic skies of her birthplace, Kansas. She was a prolific and award-winning artist, and her paint brush and artisan community provided her years of joy.
Betty was preceded in death by her cherished Burl, and is survived by her sister, Eileen Baker Berkley, of Salina, Kansas. Although she had no children, “Aunt B” was a beloved elder to many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.
We remember her for her confident and optimistic outlook, her Texas accent, her charm and charisma in any social situation, her many works of art that adorn our family’s walls, her quick smile and infectious laugh, and her strong Catholic faith. We will also remember fondly Betty and Burl’s tradition of a single, perfectly mixed and shaken martini, enjoyed on most days of their lives right at 5:00 o’clock.
Donations in her honor can be made to Bethany Home, Lindsborg, Kansas. (https://bethanyvillageks.com)