Betty Louise Couch

Betty Louise (Anders) Couch, 92 of Topeka, Kansas passed away October 17, 2017. Betty was born to Wilbur and Lula Anders on June 23,1925 in Topeka. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert C. Couch and a brother Donald Anders and his wife Esther. Survived by her son Bruce and daughter-in-law Pat; daughter Barbara (Couch) Turner (of Flower Mound, TX) and son-in-law Ben; grandsons, Michael, Robert II, John, Michael and Timothy; granddaughters-in-law Shelley and Amy; three great-grandsons, Dylan, Brandon and Ethan; five great-granddaughters, Emma, Bradley, Emily, Morgan and Paizlee and five step-great-grandchildren.

Betty worked at Merchants National Bank for a few years after graduation from Topeka High School and again after moving back to Topeka in 1968. She married Bob on April 29, 1949 and moved to Garden City (Kansas) where they raised Bruce and Barbara before moving back to Topeka in 1968. Betty retired from Merchants National Bank in March 1985 as the Supervisor of the Lock Box Department.

Betty bragged about her son, Bruce and daughter, Barbara to anyone who would listen to her about their militar

y service in the U.S. Navy. She was a very proud and patriotic lady. And, yes, she was quite a lady! The pride and joy of her life were her children and their families.

Betty was a longtime active member of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Post #400 and, the Eight & Forty (8/40). She held many offices and chairmanships in both organizations beginning in 1987 as she climbed the ladder to the top. She served as Unit 400 Chaplain from 2008 - 2016, Sergeant-at-Arms for six years, Community Service Chairman 1987-1995, and one of her favorite Chairmanships as Girls State Chairman from 2012 - 2016 with one Girls State student being elected as Governor in 2015. Quite an achievement!

On the Department level of the American Legion Auxiliary, Betty was the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Servic

es (VAVS) Deputy Representative from 2000-2004, VAVS Home Service Chairman 2005-20

06 and Americanism Chairman 2005-2006. On the District level, she served as the Sergeant-at-Arms 1991-1992, Historian 1992-1993, Chaplain 1993-1994, District 1, 75th Anniversary Chairman, and District 1 Vice President 1994-1995. Betty's husband Bob, was the American Legion Department Post 400 Commander while Betty served as the American Legion Auxiliary District 1 President at the same time in 1995-1996. One heck of a great team! Betty also served as District 1 Auxiliary Emergency Fund Chairman 1997-1998.

Betty served as the 8 & 40 La Concierge 1996-1997, L'Aumonier 1997-1998, L'Archiviste 1998-1999, Le Demi Chapeau Deuxieme 1999-2000, Le Demi Chapeau Premier 2000-2001, Le Departmental Chapeau 2001-2002 and finally Le Pouvoir 2002-2003. Another of her favorite volunteer jobs was working with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Christmas Gift Shop for homeless veterans each December. Although not active in recent years, she was a Life Member of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Beulah Chapter #34.

Betty moved to The Cottages of Topeka in 2004 and absolutely loved living there. She loved watching the w

orld drive by on Lyman Road & Topeka Blvd and, she especially loved the grounds of The Cottages while watching squirrels and more importantly the Groundhogs, as they played. Always a "joiner", Betty was an avid BINGO player and very involved in the Cottages community activities. She accepted the job as the Editor for the Cottage Capers, a community monthly newsletter and personally welcomed all new residents! She always had a smile on her face and would do anything, for anyone, any time.

Betty was a 30+ year breast cancer survivor and at her request, and in lieu of flowers, you may donate to HELP END BREAST CANCER to: Susan G. Komen, Dept 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265 or online: https://ww5.komen.org/donate/donate.html