Betty Briley

Memorial service for Betty Jo (Montgomery) Briley, 89, formerly of 115 S. Rutter, Chanute, KS will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, August 19, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church 202 S. Lincoln Chanute, KS. A private burial of the cremains will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute.  Mrs. Briley died August 15, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence, KS.

She was born to Charles Ray Montgomery and Sarah Edna (Fadler) Montgomery in Pittsburg, KS on April 12, 1921. She graduated from Pittsburg High School and earned a BA in Music from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg. She married Robert L. Briley on December 25, 1942 in Little Rock, AR and following the war, moved with her husband to Lawrence, KS where he attended the University of Kansas Law School and she taught school. When Bob received his law degree, they moved to Bob’s home town of Chanute where Bob practiced law for more than 40 years. Bob preceded Betty in death on January 30, 1998.

Betty was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother and was a wonderful, giving person. She was an avid reader, accomplished seamstress, and loved music. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for more than 60 years and for most of those years served in the choir. She was a talented vocal soloist and was highly requested to sing at weddings, funerals and other functions. She was for several years a member of the Library board of directors.

Survivors include her daughter, Bobbie J. Gish (Steve) of Lawrence, and her son, R. Montgomery Briley (Kathy) of Wichita, sisters Cora Fuller of Austin, TX, Mary Cooprider of Highlands Ranch, CO, brother-in-law Paul Briley (Lois) of Burlingame, CA, grandchildren Matthew Gish, Kristen Gish, Caroline Gish, Michael Gish, Sarah Briley, Larissa Briley, and many cherished nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Bonnie Kungle.

Memorial contributions can be sent in her name to the First United Methodist Church of Chanute, KS and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

 

 

2 Condolences

  1. Roger Hastings on August 18, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Your mother was a very accomplished lady and lived a fullfilling life. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
    Roger



  2. Alice McCune Robinson on August 18, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Bobbie & Monty, I accompanied your mother often with solos at church. There was no one I enjoyed working with more than your mom. Her music came from her heart. She was a wonderful person.



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