Betty J. Harshman

Betty J. Harshman, 83, a lifelong resident of the Neodesha and Altoona, Kansas area, died Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at Via Christi St. Joseph Medical Center in Wichita. She was born June 27, 1925 in Neodesha, the daughter of John and Erma "Tiny" (Hallbauer) Schoonover. On October 7, 1945 at the Methodist Church in Altoona, she married Charles N. Harshman. Together, they owned and operated the Altoona Recreation Hall for 17 years. Betty also worked in several local restaurants, including the Main Street Restaurant in Altoona. Mr. Harshman preceded her in death June 3, 1982. She was a member of the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship and the VFW Women"s Auxiliary. Betty was the first Altoona City Council Woman and served many years on the Altoona Days Committee. Betty"s survivors include: Three children: Charles "Chuck" Harshman Jr. of Altoona, KS Linda Fuller of Neodesha, KS Stacy Raymond of Altoona, KS Three sisters: Mary Ann Dannels of Neodesha, KS Sheila Kaufman of Neodesha, KS Theda DeVoe of Fredonia, KS One brother: Duane Schoonover of Braman, OK 14 Grandchildren; 19 Great Grandchildren; and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Arlene Busick, Lorene McKenzie, and Barbara Reynolds; three brothers, Loren Schoonover, Melvern Schoonover and Carl Schoonover; one grandson, Chad Harshman; and one granddaughter, Kelly Sue Raymond. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship in Altoona with Pastor Les Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Altoona Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, 3:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. at Timmons Funeral Home. Memorials have been established in Betty"s name with the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship and the Altoona Over 50 Center and may be sent to the funeral home. Messages of condolence for the family may be left on this webpage. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.