Brenda Sue (Betschart) Mead passed away, at the age of 57, on August 15, 2021 at Ashland Health Center, after a year and a half battle with cancer.  She was born April 24, 1964 to Frantz and Ellen (Cunningham) Betschart in Ashland, KS.  She attended Ashland Schools, graduating with the class of 1982.  She attended cosmetology school in Dodge City, KS and worked as a nail tech and hair stylist for several years before going to work for Central Electric in Dodge City.

On April 23, 1988, she and Patrick M. Mead were married at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Dodge City.  To this union two sons were born, Jeston Michael and Kolton Michael.

In 2000, she purchased Ashland Floral from Betty Salyer.  She was a very talented and artistic florist, always striving to make not only beautiful arrangements, but long lasting as well.  It seemed that no matter what was asked of her she could make it happen.  She was delighted to hear that her flower shop had been chosen, by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, to be business of the year for 2021.  She also worked as a C.N.A. for Ashland Health Center, both the hospital and long-term care.

Her greatest joy was being with her boys and being a second mom to their friends, cheering them on in whatever they were doing – she was their biggest fan, supporter, and encourager.  She was so proud of the fine young men they are today.  Her grandchildren, Jeci and Jru, were the icing on her cake.  Grammy B could always be persuaded to take them fishing or whatever else they wanted to do.  Making cookies and movie night sleepovers were special times.  She loved hunting pheasant, quail, or deer with Jerry or just sitting quietly fishing together.  Their deep sea fishing trip was a highlight of her life.

She had a smile that could light up a room and personality to match.  She was thoughtful, kind, and generous in all she did.  Seldom did a child leave her flower shop without a balloon and a sucker and a hug.

She is survived by her sons: Jeston and wife Jhaymie and children, Jeci and Jru of Holcomb, KS, and Kolton and wife Casie of Garden City, KS; Her closest companion and the love of her life: Jerry Ellis and his children Cody and Heather Ellis; Her parents: Frantz and Ellen Betschart; brother: Mike Betschart and wife Gloria; sister: Anita Johnson; nephews and nieces: Eric, Jake, and Bret Betschart, Kimberly Courtney, Baylee Johnson, Cooper Johnson, and Dana Bear; Aunt Ruth Ann Jellison; Uncles Tom and Ken Betschart; cousins, great-nieces and nephews; step-son Shawn Mead; many friends and co-workers at A.H.C.; and her two best friends: Sheryl Golden and Shawna Thacker.

Public viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home in Coldwater, KS.

Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Ashland High School Gymnasium in Ashland, KS, with Father Eric Gyamfi presiding.

Graveside inurnment will follow the service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Ashland, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Brenda's Grandchildren Education Fund in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.