Betty Ann (Schwien) Radke was born Aug. 19, 1932, in Russell County, the daughter of Sigmund and Lydia (Bender) Schwien. Betty passed away July 18, 2022, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, at the age of 89 years and 11 months.
Betty was baptized Sept. 18, 1932, and confirmed April 14, 1946, in the Bender Hill Church. Betty was united in marriage with Hubert S. Radke at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, on June 12, 1949.
Betty was a dedicated farmer’s wife and devoted mother of four children. She worked alongside her husband in the farming and construction business, and the sons later joined with Sammy in the dirt construction business and Jon in the farming and stockman business.
Betty, along with her husband, were youth leaders at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She sang in the church choir and a gospel singing group sharing the Word of God to many around the state. She welcomed anyone to her home and they could expect a great meal or a good visit. She was talented in sewing, cooking and gardening.
Betty is survived by two sons, Sammy H. Radke and wife Penny, of Milberger; Jon Radke and wife Brenda, of Hays; two daughters, Kathleen M. Radke and husband Steven, Hays; and Elizabeth A. Radke and Gary Jacobs of Russell; two granddaughters, Melissa D. Radke and Mandy L. Radke both of Russell; two grandsons Tyler R. Angle and Sheldon F. Angle, both of Hays; and five great-grandchildren, Natasha and Ashtyn Hare, Camren and Evan Herbel and Wyatt Radke, Russell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and two sisters.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Milberger. Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, July 22, 2022 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. A Memorial has been established with the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.