Irene L. Betschart

Irene Loraine (Helean) Betschart, 96, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at the Ashland Health Center in Ashland, KS. She was born July 25, 1918, in Missoula, MT, the daughter of Michael Joseph and Martha Jane (Baxter) Helean. Her father was in railroad and road construction and they moved often. Irene graduated from St. John's Academy in Wichita, KS and Capital Beauty School in Omaha, NE. She was a licensed cosmetologist. She came to Ashland, KS to work in a beauty shop. She met Forrest Betschart and they were married on January 1, 1940. To this union four children were born: Frantz, Ruth Ann, Tom, and Ken.
Forrest passed away February 9, 1978. With her family raised, Irene had time on her hands and decided she needed something to do, so she kept house for Fr. Jack Maes for many years. Many of the priests in the Dodge City Diocese were able to enjoy her cooking – especially her lemon pie. She served as church sacristan for many years. She was a longtime member of the Altar Society, D of I, Funeral Dinner Committee, and V.F.W.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 37 years, her three brothers: Tom, Donald, and Maurice Helean; her sisters: Katherine Evans and Louise Lane; brother-in-law: Russel Lane; sisters-in-law: Irene Helean and Jean Helean; daughter-in-law: Virginia Betschart; son-in-law: Howard Jellison; and step-grandson: Michael Barnes.

She leaves her sons: Frantz and Ellen Betschart, Tom and Susan Betschart, and Ken and Jane Betschart; and daughter: Ruth Ann Jellison; grandchildren: Mike and Gloria Betschart, Brenda Mead, Anita Johnson, Shauna Betschart, Shane and Jenny Betschart, Cody Betschart and Pearla, Jodi and Brad Thomas, Becky and Andy Luerman, Diana and Bryan Barnard, John and Patsy Jellison, Lori and Tony Ifland, Byron Betschart and Jessie, and Wade Betschart and Becky; step-grandchildren: Codi Wilson, Shayla Underwood, and Jennifer Barnes; 28 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a special friend: Fr. Jack Maes.

Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ashland, KS.

Vigil Service is at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ashland, KS.

Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ashland, KS, with Father Charles Mazouch presiding. Burial is in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Ashland, KS.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Ashland Senior Center in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.