George C. Betz, 85, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

He was born on January 28, 1926 near Red Wing, Kansas, the son of Henry and Lena (Hilgenberg) Betz.

George lived in Russell County most all his life.  He worked in the oil fields as a pumper for 45 years until he retired in 1989.  He served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper of the United States Army during World War II where he fought in the European Theatre.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Ellen Marie Bunker on April 18th, 1954.  She preceded him in death on February 20, 2005.  George was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #6240 and a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. 

Surviving family include a sister Cora Smitherman of Englewood, Colorado and 2 nieces Audrey Hlaus and husband Jim of Wilson, Kansas and Denese Nation and husband John of Kellyville, Oklahoma and their families

He was also preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Roy, Ray & Christ.

A Celebration of George’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, September 26, 2011 at the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis Officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from Noon to 8 P.M. on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with family to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday evening.  The V.F.W. Post #6240 of Russell will be present to perform the military rites.  Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church and sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.