Beth Galloway, longtime resident of WaKeeney, Kansas, departed this life on September 26, 2017. Her sweet and infectious smile and gentle nature will long be remembered. Bernita “Beth” was born to Bill and Myrtle Dwyer Clark on June, 1, 1922 in Asherville, Kansas. At the age of twelve she moved with her family to WaKeeney.
Beth married Bob Galloway in California on February 4, 1944. Bob shipped out to England shortly thereafter where he was stationed during WWII. She and Bob were both graduates of Trego County High School. They were very proud of their hometown and lived in WaKeeney all of their married life, raising four children there.
Beth was very active in the Presbyterian Church – singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, serving as an officer for UPW, and playing the organ for church services for nearly fifty years. Her beautiful handwriting adorns the church book of records. She belonged to Chapter CT of P.E.O. and served as an officer many times over in her seventy plus years of membership.
Beth enjoyed sewing, was an excellent cook, and had a knack for home-decorating. She made beautiful clothes for herself and her daughters. Her handiwork included cross-stitched samplers and patchwork quilts. In 2003 Beth began playing piano at the WaKeeney Long Term Care facility while Bob was a resident until his death in 2006.
In 2009 Beth moved from WaKeeney to Louisburg, Kansas and lived with daughter, Julie and son-in-law, Randy Newcomer for a time. She joined the Christian Church of Louisburg and took part in bible study and church services. In 2010 she moved to Aberdeen Village in Olathe, Kansas where she enjoyed an apartment, made new friends and participated in many activities – proving to be a whiz at word games. She enjoyed a large family gathering for her ninetieth birthday. Her last home has been at Bickford of Overland Park.
Beth is survived by her sister, Jean Stevens (Leland) of Taylor, Texas; four children – Mike Galloway (Sherry) of WaKeeney; Jack Galloway (Anna) of Port Angeles, WA; Janie Anderson of Columbia, MO, Julie Newcomer (Randy) of Louisburg, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.
Thirteen surviving grandchildren include John Galloway (Kate), Lewis Galloway (Jamie), Joel Mermis (Carrie), Angie Mermis, Philip Galloway (Rachel); Dan Galloway (Kelli); James Anderson (Cherryl), Ben Anderson (Julie), Julie Anderson, and Molly Caton (Jason); Kellie Bledsoe (Clint), Annie McMahill (Jeff),
and Scott Newcomer (Rachel).
Surviving twenty-seven great grandchildren include Vivi, Mimi and Stella Galloway; Will, Harper and Annie Galloway; Mikiah Mermis; Mason and Ethan Mermis, Mollie Galloway; Brennan Galloway, Olivia and Ryan Galloway; Clark, Lily and Ayla Anderson; Grace, Russell and Maggie Mae Anderson, Oscar Caton ; Ruby and June Bledsoe; Clara and Josie Benskin, Madeline, Danielle and Sean McMahill.
Beth is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Myrtle Clark, her husband, Bob Galloway, and her grandson, Marc Galloway.
A family hosted memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, WaKeeney.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney, P.E.O. Sisterhood Project for Continuing Education, or The WaKeeney Long Term Care. Contributions may be sent to Julie Newcomer, 27221 Rockville Road, Louisburg, KS 66053.