Betty Jane White, 79, of Erie, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2022 in Rose Hill, Kansas. She was born July 2, 1943 in Holton, the daughter of Maurice and Jane (Dunlap) Tharp. She grew up in Topeka, graduating from Topeka High School in 1961. She met the love of her life, Elden L. White in 1961 and they were married on May 11, 1962. To this union, they were blessed with two daughters. In 1962, they moved to Puerto Rico where Elden was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. They moved back to Kansas in 1965 and she started her career as an LPN. She worked as an RN after completing her education from Stormant Vail School of Nursing, Haskell Indian Nations University and Baker University. In 1993, Betty achieved her Master's Degree from The University of Kansas Medical Center with a dual degree in teaching and practicing as a family nurse practitioner. In 1994 she accepted a position at the Yankton Sioux Tribal Health in Wagner, South Dakota. She worked there for seven years until retiring. In 2003, Betty and Elden moved to Polson, Montana where they enjoyed years of retirement. They returned to Kansas in 2020.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Elden L. White; two daughters, Sharon Lea Gray (Bill), Missy White; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one sister, Donna Nabus; and numerous family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and by four siblings.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.