Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Lucas

Mass of Christian Burial Services for Elizabeth “Betty” L. Lucas, 84, Lawrence, Kansas, will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Wellington, Kansas. A private family burial will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery in SW Wichita. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. before Mass at St. Anthony’s School Hall with coffee and doughnuts provided.

Betty died Friday, March 25, 2022 peacefully at home surrounded by her three children. Betty was born February 11, 1938 in Mayfield, Kansas, the daughter of CJ and Barbara (Strunk) Metzen. She graduated from Wellington High School and married Danny Lucas on April 3, 1956. They celebrated 56 years of marital bliss and were blessed with the three most amazing and talented children in Sumner County!

Betty owned and operated “Betty’s Beauty Shop” for over 40 years faithfully serving her patrons. She was known as the fastest perm roller in town as well as the “Bee-hive” Queen! Betty was a proud and dedicated “Wheat Farmers Wife” for more than 44 years in Wellington. She was well known for her wheatfield dinners during harvest and her award-winning pies. She enjoyed “Tea-Timers” Bowling on Tuesdays as well as other bowling leagues, all the while trying to crush her opponents. Dancing with Danny and their friends on weekends was a huge part of their lives.

In 2002 Betty and Danny relocated to Lawrence, Kansas where they made many new friends. They enjoyed square dancing with the “Happy Times Square Dance Club,” supporting the Royals and attending the KU Basketball games. In retirement they enjoyed traveling with friends to different festivals, some of which included: Mule Jumping, Bean Tasting and Dogwood Tree Observing. It was not unusual on a Saturday night to find them in the bed of a truck drinking beer with a crowd of Metzens at the Demolition Derby… Still making it to church on time Sunday morning. After Danny passed in 2012, she was lucky enough to find support with her mahjong girls and pinochle group. Coffee at Hy-Vee was a staple for many years. Most importantly, she was a founding member of the “205 Club.”

Above all else, she loved her grandkids. She attended all of their events…EVERY SINGLE ONE and often the practices, too. Nothing made her happier than to receive a salute from the football field, volleyball court or pre-game warmups! She was their biggest fan and most consistent cheerleader. Every single grandchild had their own special relationship with her. She had a unique ability to see into their hearts and help then navigate the ups and downs of life. She was unconditionally available and tough as nails. She never gave up on anyone. Betty led by example, showing us how to work hard, love hard, and play hard …just not too hard. Her uncanny ability to make you feel better about yourself in any situation will be missed by each one of us. Her quick wit and humor, was one-of-a-kind.

Betty is survived by her three loving children, Janice of Wellington, Jerry (Mary Ann) Lucas of Derby, and Julie (Danny) Manning of Chevy Chase, Maryland; eight grandchildren, Bryanna (David) Spafford, Staci (Brad) Reuter, Jessica Lucas, Spencer Furman, Nic Lucas, Mary Lucas, Taylor Manning and Evan Manning; eight great grandchildren, Mia Kate, Camryn, Ava, Reigner, Jill, Corbin, Jaclyn, and Carson; three sisters, Patsy Robinson, Sheryl Shepard, and Darlene Coburn; and four brothers, Dennis, Johnny, Raymond and Ron Metzen. She also leaves behind many cousins, nephews and nieces, as well as her many bonus grandkids.

She is preceded in death by her parents CJ and Barbara Metzen, husband Danny Lucas, step mother Sis Metzen, sister Marilyn Cook and her beloved Godson JR Metzen.

A Rosary will be recited for Betty at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022 with a visitation to follow until 6 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in her name to Visiting Nurses Hospice in Lawrence or Kansas Athletics Williams Educational Fund in memory of Betty Lucas or the charity of your choice.