Clara Betterton, age 98, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by her family. She was born February 20, 1928, in Montezuma, Kansas, the daughter of Harry William and Pearl (Miller) Johnson.
Clara was raised in Montezuma, where she attended Blue Light Country School. In 1948, she married the love of her life, Harold Lloyd Betterton, in Raton, New Mexico. Together they built a loving home and shared many wonderful years together. She dedicated 20 years of service to Gray and Rosel Department Store, where she loved seeing and visiting with people. Clara’s greatest joy was her family. She never missed an opportunity to support her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, attending their sporting events, school activities, and special occasions. Clara also enjoyed traveling and especially loved going on cruises. Whether at home or on an adventure, she treasured every moment spent with her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Debra Hagerman and husband Richard, Sherry Betterton, and Cindy Garcia and husband Ernie, all of Ulysses, Kansas; one brother, Donald Johnson of Dodge City, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Tess Peden and husband Kurtis, Brandi Salinas and husband Francisco, Cari Hagerman, Sean Hagerman and wife Leeann, Kizzy Hagerman and Vaunechio Johnson, Mandy Garcia and Eric Garcia and wife Yazmin; and nine great-grandchildren, Lance Hagerman and wife Britny, Tyler Peden and wife Alexis, Colby Hagerman, Tanner Peden, Brianna Elliot, Braysen Salinas, Jaxsen Salinas, Julian Garcia and Aulanii Garcia; 6 great-great-grandchildren, Ben Hagerman, Shae Hagerman, Brooklyn Hagerman, Finn Peden, Miles Peden, Kailan Burkholter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; daughter, Sharlett Lamberson; son-in-law, Gail Lamberson; brothers, Richard, Wayne and Marvin Johnson; sisters, Doris Johnson, Vinita Holton, and Betty McFadden.
Memorial Service will be Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel, Ulysses, Kansas. Inurnment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
