Elizabeth J. “Betty” Ploutz, 73 of Russell died Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas

Betty was born march 10, 1937 in Ellis, Kansas the daughter of Rudolph and Katherine (Beer) Windholz.  She grew up in Ellis and graduated from Ellis Catholic High School.

Betty was united in marriage to Frank H. Ploutz on January 10, 1954 in Raton, New Mexico.  This union was blessed with eight children; Caroline, Jack, James, Jeff, Raileene, Justin, Pam and Valerie.  They made their home in New Mexico until moving to Russell in 1962.  Frank preceded her in death on February 24, 2005. 

Betty was a devoted mother and homemaker.  She enjoyed reading books, doing crossword puzzles, sewing outfits for her kids and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving family include her eight children;  Caroline Orcutt and husband Frank of Ramah, Colorado, Jack Ploutz and wife Stacie of Bison, Kansas, James Ploutz, Jeff Ploutz and wife Terrie, Raileene Ramsey and husband Roger, Pam Ramsey and husband Wilbern and Valerie Ramsey and husband Perry all of Russell, Kansas and Justin Ploutz and wife Heide of Rozel, Kansas; two brothers, Vernon Windholz and Kenny Windholz both of Ellis, Kansas; four sisters, Kathleen Wolf, Goldie Dinkle and Thelma Spinks all of Ellis, Kansas and Roseann Billinger of Hays, Kansas; 20 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Frances Windholz and Robert Windholz and a grandson, Heath Orcutt.

Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Interment will follow at the Michaelis Cemetery south of Russell.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday at the Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A memorial has been established at the Betty Ploutz Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.