Betty Jean Austin

Betty Jean Austin, 72, of Inman, Kansas and formerly of Welch, West Virginia, peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, surrounded by family at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was a homemaker.

She was born on November 30, 1953, in Eckman, West Virginia, the daughter of Ralph and Mary Margaret (Stubbs) Austin.

She loved attending church, with Easter Sunday morning holding a particularly special place in her heart. She found joy in playing cards, especially with her best friend, Lulu. She also enjoyed playing board games, Trouble and Sorry!, listening to all kinds of music, and singing along to her favorite songs. She bowled at Southern Highlands in Welch, WV. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and especially loved bringing everyone together under one roof.

She enjoyed sitting outside, taking in the beauty of nature and simply enjoying the peaceful moments. You'd often find her enjoying a smoke and drinking a cold Coca-Cola. She also loved cooking and took pleasure in preparing some of her favorite comfort foods, including pork chops, cornbread, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, hamburgers, and hot dogs.

Those who knew her will remember her for her ornery, spunky, and sassy personality. She was a woman who knew what she wanted—and, as her family would fondly say, it was often her way or the highway! Her strong personality, spirited nature, and love for those around her will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. She would do anything to help another in need and loved her McDowell County kids. 

Survivors include her sons, Lucious Bush (Michelle Burch) of Inman, KS and Ricky Sawyers (Anita) of Princeton, WV; brother, Gilbert Stubbs (Kenya); sister, Mary Scott; grandchildren, Dakota Kelley, Kiley Kelley, Caden Bachman, Shaylee Burch, Ricky Sawyers, Jr.,Tyreese Stubbs, Tony Stubbs, Teanna Stubbs, Madelynn Stubbs, Trystian Stubbs, Ghinysis Stubbs, and Xi’Orrhion Stubbs; a great-grandson, Amari Hasan; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Albert Austin, Oscar Austin, Elizabeth Austin, Robert Stubbs, Henry Austin, and Lucy Coleman.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A visitation and viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until service time on Tuesday. Burial will follow the service at McPherson Cemetery.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Memorial donations are suggested to help with funeral expenses and can be made payable to Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. Those wishing to donate online can give through the crowdfunding link below.