Bethine Lenore Cox

is honored with a Brick from Mary Lynn Rice, Julie Riner Loughborough, James Bussell, and Amy Allred

Bethine Lenore Cox

Bethine Lenore Cox was born on August 21, 1920 in Fowler, Kansas to George Edward and Mildred Elizabeth McClaren Converse. She graduated from Mullinville High School in 1938. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Economics from Wichita State University in the fall of 1974. Bethine married Joseph Dee Cox Sr. on September 8, 1940 in Enid, Oklahoma, and they moved to Hutchinson, Kansas in the 1960s. Dee was a prominent businessman in Hutchinson until his death on November 27, 1996. Bethine was a homemaker, an active bridge player, taught at Hutchinson Community College, was an involved member of Trinity United Methodist Church, a board member and on the finance committee at Wesley Towers Retirement Center in Hutchinson. Bethine was widely known in Hutchinson and took much pride in her hometown. Bethine will always be remembered and admired for her service to her Hutchinson community.

Bethine viewed life positively, always had a sense of humor, and cherished her family, church, community and friends deeply. When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease that changed her otherwise active life, she faced her challenge with determination and courage. Always the optimist, Bethine never turned down an offer of dinner with family or friends, and always greeted any visitors with a smile, hug and a kiss. She was always grateful for anyone who took the time out from their day to visit her, for all the candy and snacks that were brought to her, and always grateful for even the smallest bouquet of flowers.

Bethine passed away on Monday, January 2, 2006 at Wesley Towers Hester Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Barry Evan Cox, her husband, Dee, and a sister, Mildred Bender. She is survived by a son, J. Dee Cox Jr. Wichita, two grandchildren, Lisa Strunk and her husband, Chris, Newton, and Joseph Dee Cox III, Kansas City, Missouri and three great grandchildren, Joseph, Jeremiah and Samantha. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Judy Wellshear, Wichita.

Written by: Mary Lynn Rice, 2/21/06