Betty Fuqua 1930-2025
Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Fuqua, 95, of Mayetta, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born Feb. 22, 1930, at St. Benedict, the daughter of John and Merwina Levings Martin. She was the fourth oldest of nine children. She graduated from Public High School in Seneca, and from Washburn University in Topeka.
She married Jack Fuqua on Oct. 15, 1953, at Assumption Church in Topeka. They were blessed with 68½ years of marriage. He preceded her in death on April 19, 2022.
Betty was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta, and a member and Past President of the Altar Society at the church.
Betty taught at different schools for eight years, including schools at Silver Lake and Dwight, and at Assumption Catholic School in Topeka. She had also taught all eight grades in a one-room school house. She worked at Luce Press Clipping Bureau for 3½ years and operated a daycare from her home for 14 years.
Betty was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Steve Fuqua; a daughter, Janie Teetzel; a great-granddaughter, Abella Rose Teetzel; a son-in-law, who she loved as a son, Floyd Teetzel; and siblings, Charlotte Jones, Rosemary Passino, Jim Martin, twins Leo and Leroy Martin, Chuck Martin and Anne Whitesell.
Survivors include two sons, Van Fuqua and George Fuqua, both of Mayetta; four daughters, Debbie Albright (Steve), Mayetta, Mary DeVader (Doug), Holton, Kim Fuqua (Lenny Riley), Mayetta and Michelle Auten, Topeka; a sister, Patricia Taylor, Wichita; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Thursday, March 20 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta. Burial will follow in Mayetta Cemetery. Betty will lie in state after 9 a.m. Wednesday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt, where a rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m., followed by visitation until 8 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440. Online condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
