Elizabeth M. “Betty” Votaw, 92, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born July 7, 1920 in Halstead, KS, the daughter of Rex H. A. and Hermina Richardson Davis. She received a BA Degree in Religious Education from Phillips University in Enid, OK. Betty was a Navy veteran of WWII. She was among three generations of her family that has served as military personnel. She grew up in Atchison, KS and moved to Topeka with her husband in 1974. She was a member of the First Christian Disciples of Christ Church.

Elizabeth married Reverend Ellis J. Votaw on June 4, 1946 in Atchison. He preceded her in death on November 23, 1992. Survivors include her children, Janice Votaw of Topeka, Steve (Diana) Votaw of Arvada, CO, Mark (Debbie) Votaw of Topeka, Timothy Votaw of Burlington, IA, David (Ruth) Votaw of Turlock, CA, Nancy Rodriguez-Metz of Topeka, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Disciples of Christ Church. Private inurnment will take place in Leavenworth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First Christian Disciples of Christ Church, 1880 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.