Betty F. Wood

Betty Francis (Shelton) Wood, 84, left this world to join her beloved Savior in heaven on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Betty was born on July 26, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of David D. and Mabel Shelton, and the youngest sister of Virginia (Green), Wilma (McCarty), Lois (Sewell), David and Warren.

Betty grew up in the downtown Topeka area. She shared many fond memories of her time there and told the stories to her children and grandchildren often enough they all remember and cherish them. She often spoke of the hard times but smiled and laughed whenever she spoke of the good times she and her siblings had together.

Betty met the love of her life, Stephen J. Wood, and married him when she was only 17. They were married in Bentonville, Arkansas, on February 24, 1951. They settled in Topeka and their first son, Stephen Jr., was born three years later. They were then blessed with three additional children, Ernest (Ernie), Dorothy (Dotty), and Donna. Betty was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She opened her home to many family members and friends throughout her life, whether for a hot meal or a warm bed. Many neighborhood children and family members knew they could count on Betty and her home as a safe and loving haven.  Betty cared for her mother for many years in her home and was an example for her own children to follow.

Betty worked for 20 years as a seamstress for Walt Schreiner Upholstery. She also volunteered for Midland Hospice as a care giver for several years. Later, she worked for many families as a caregiver and became as close of a family member to those families as any relative could be.  Steve’s career took them on a path experiencing life in multiple locations, including California and Florida, making many lifelong friends.

Betty loved Jesus and her faith was her foundation. Betty and Steve were one of the first families to bring Northland Christian Church to where it is today.  She spent countless hours volunteering in many areas of service in the church and was an example of a servant’s heart for her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. She also cherished her Early Birds Sunday School class members.

Betty is survived by her children, Ernie Wood (Cheryl), Dotty Estes (Chris), and Donna Law (Mark), all of Topeka; 2 sisters, Lois Sewell (Virgil), Topeka, and Wilma McCarty, Meriden; 2 sisters-in-law, Harriet Perry, Topeka, and Eva Stout, Spring Hill, Florida; 17 grandchildren, Branden Wood (Lisa), Justin Wood (Karen), Heidi Lokke (Scott), Rusty Wiley, Trina Zahn (Dustin), Judy Slover (Travis), Laura Anderson (Blake), Brooke Busenitz (Troy), Bryce Wood (Megan), Jeremy Carter (Melissa), Brady Law (Jayme), Audra Shughart (Dustin), Hannah Harbour (Austen), Maria Clark (Brandon), Jayden Estes, Blanca Estes, and Christian Estes; 17 great-grandchildren and her favorite dachshund, Chloe. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve, their son, Steve Jr., her sister, Virginia, and her brothers, David and Warren.

Family will receive friends on Monday evening, December 4, 2017, from 5-7 pm, at Northland Christian Church. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 am, at Northland Christian Church on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. Private inurnment will follow at a later date at Prairie Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice or to Northland Christian Church in care of Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66608