Bette May (Keim) Bestwick, age 90, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 in Manhattan, KS.

She was born on May 31, 1928 at home north of Albany, KS to Marvin and Florence (Rotz) Keim.  She attended school at Albany through eighth grade.  Much to her chagrin she had to ride a pony to school rather than walk because, “What would the neighbors think?”.     She graduated from Sabetha High School in 1946.  

She married Merril “Bud” Bestwick on August 11, 1946.  Bud and Bette farmed near Sabetha until 1969 when they moved to Marysville, KS. The family relocated to Manhattan, KS in 1984.  She worked for Kansas State University, first at Derby Food Service and later as housekeeper to the Kansas State University President until her retirement in 1993.  

Bette’s number one priority was always her family, and one didn’t have to be related to be considered family.  She genuinely enjoyed helping others.  She loved keeping up with family and friends through Facebook and email.  She celebrated her 90th birthday with a limo ride to Kansas City and zip lining with family.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud Bestwick; her son, Kent Bestwick; her son-in-law, Burton Robinson; and her brothers, Charles Keim and Dale Keim.

Bette is survived by her daughter, Connie Robinson of Sabetha, KS; her sons, Larry (Lila) Bestwick of Randolph, KS and Brent (Allie) Bestwick of Olathe, KS; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, KS. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to service time at the funeral home. Inurnment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Albany Historical Society or to the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research (1 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506), sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. www.popkessmortuaries.com