Betty Jane Onstott

January 2, 1931 - September 28, 2021

Betty Jane Kerr Onstott 90, passed away September 28, 2021 in Pratt, Kansas. She was born on January 2, 1931, to John A. Kerr and Lenora Lehrling Kerr on their farm in rural Preston. She graduated from Preston High School and Pratt Junior College with an Associate degree. She married Howard "Toppy" Purcell Onstott of Pratt, Kansas on the family farm on July 15, 1950. He passed away on December 26, 1976. In the early years of their marriage they lived in southern California and later returned to the Preston area to farm and manage a dairy. Betty's career began at Pratt County Abstract Company in the 1960s. She was elected twice as the Clerk of the District Court of Pratt County and later appointed to that position. Shortly thereafter she was appointed Chief Clerk of the 27th District and later to the 30th District. During her tenure she served on the multiple statewide committees and represented the district in many different positions for more than 25 years. Betty was very active throughout her life in the Pratt community in many organizations including Beta Sigma Phi, United Methodist Church and Guild, PEO Chapter F, Distaff Investment Club, Pratt Elks Club, Pratt County Historical Museum, Pratt Health Foundation and the Filley Art Museum. She received the Distinguished Woman's Award for 1990 at the Jaycee Awards Banquet. Following her retirement in 1996 she took trips with several of her dearest friends throughout the United States. She was a volunteer for Hospice and was always ready to assist a friend in need. For 40 years she lived on Parklane Street and enjoyed growing flowers, tending her yard and sharing her swimming pool with her friends and family; she later moved into a retirement duplex where she was surrounded by many friends. She then moved into South Wind Home where she was warmly welcomed and surrounded by a loving staff. The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for their wonderful support the past few months. She is survived by her daughter, Kerry Onstott Storey (Bob) of Topeka, Kansas; son, John Onstott (Laurie) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandson, Will Howard Onstott of Seattle, Washington; and granddaughter, Ellie Kate Onstott of Kansas City, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her sister, Margie Kerr Doan. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Friday, October 22, 2021 with visitation starting before the service at 10:00 am., at Larrison Mortuary, Pratt, Kansas. Pastor John Hamn will be officiating. In lieu of flower, memorials are suggested to Pratt Health Foundation, Pratt County Humane Society, Kindred Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice in care of Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt, Kansas 67124. Online condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com.