Betty Hougland

Betty (Turner) Hougland, 82, long-time resident of Olathe, KS, passed away May 4, 2016.

Betty was born June 25, 1933 in Topeka, KS to Harry and Neva (Ewing) Turner. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1951, and went on to attend the University of Kansas where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.

Betty was one of the first female small-business owners in Olathe, and owned and operated the Greeting Service, and was often among the first citizens new residents met upon arriving in Olathe. She not only welcomed new residents, but represented many small businesses and encouraged them to "Shop Olathe First". New residents were encouraged to become a part of the Newcomers Club, providing them a social circle and a place to establish new friendships.

Betty was a true ambassador and friend to the City of Olathe for over 57 years, serving in many capacities, including the Olathe Jr. Service League, the Republican Women's Club, the Olathe Medical Center Board, the YMCA, Olathe Night at the Royals, the Olathe 150th Anniversary Committee, the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Board and was the volunteer weekly coffee coordinator for several decades, volunteering with the Salvation Army, Greater Kansas City Days, served as a board member of the Johnson County Museum, and was active in several GOP Campaigns in Johnson County, KS.

Betty most-deservedly received several awards and recognition in honor of her civic participation, a highlight of which was the Olathe Citizen of the Year in 1987.

She was the first President and founding member of the first PTO in Olathe, KS, the first female President of the Olathe Rotary Club, a Past President of the Ambassador Club of Olathe, a founding member of Leadership Olathe, the 100th President of the Old Settlers Committee, as well as serving as the secretary for over three decades, President of the Chrysantes Club, President of the Federated Women's Club, and was a founding committee member of Heart to Heart International.

Betty was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, and the same bridge club for over 50 years.

She is survived by a large, loving family including her children Steve (Janet) Hougland, Mike (Nancy) Hougland, Blaine (Connie) Hougland, and Allison Daylong, her grandchildren Ben and Amy Hougland, Phil and Rachel Hougland, Greg and Kourtney Hougland, Adam Hougland, Ross and Emily Hougland, Luke Hougland, Brittany Hougland, Caleb and Andrea Hougland, Brennan and Jennifer Hougland, Carmen Hougland, and Katlyn and Pablo Esteban, and great-grandchildren Emily, Tyler and Matthew Hougland, Jackson and Colton Hougland, Natalie, Ryder, and Rhett Hougland, Clayton Hougland , Hudson and Sawyer Hougland, and Jacob, Alonso, and Valentina Esteban. She is also survived by her brothers Harry (Jere) Turner, and Art Turner. She was preceded in death by her brother Richard Turner, sister Caralee Dibble and husband, Paul, and sister-in-law Bert Turner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Heart to Heart International 13250 W. 98th St. Lenexa, KS 66215.