Elizabeth “Betty” May Pope, 91, of Russell, Kansas and formerly of Luray, died November 20, 2007 at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.  Betty was born September 14, 1916 in rural Osborne, Kansas, the daughter of Harry D. and Nina B. (Collins) Gerard.  She grew up in the Osborne area and attended Osborne Public Schools.

Betty was united in marriage to Joseph N. Heinen in November 1934.  They were blessed with four sons, Jerry, Steve, Jim and David.  She later was united in marriage to George Pope in May 1969; both her husbands preceded her in death.  Betty was a full time homemaker but for several years she was the owner and operator of the Green Acre Motel in La Crosse, Kansas.  She enjoyed traveling, cooking, knitting but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends sharing old stories of her past.  She was a staunch member of the Democratic Party and it was a great joy of hers to have the opportunity to personally meet John F. Kennedy.

Surviving family include her son Jerry Heinen of Cawker City, Kansas; a daughter in-law Katie Herrman; six grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Other family preceding Betty in death are her parents, three sons Jim, Steve and David Heinen; one grandson Michael and an infant Brother.

A private family funeral service for Betty has been scheduled for Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation is scheduled from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Friday, November 23, 2007 at the mortuary.  A memorial has been established to the Betty Pope Memorial Fund and may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary * 610 N. Maple * Russell, Kansas  67665.  Condolences may be sent to the mortuary or via email by going to www.pvpmortuary.com.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of these arrangements.