Betty Lucille Merryman (Ice), 96, died January 19, 2020. Betty was born in Topeka, Kansas, on November 13, 1923, to Robert and Lucille Ice. Over the course of her long life, she watched the world change drastically. She and her older brother, Bob, grew up near Baughman Ice Cream store on Buchanan.Horse-drawn wagons delivered ice cream around town, and the horses would occasionally get loose and wander into her family’s yard.

After graduating from Topeka High School, Betty continued her education at Strickler’s Business College. She later became the first female hired at Alexander’s Bakery, where she worked as a secretary to the bookkeeper.

Betty met John Merryman, her husband of 70 years, through mutual friends. They were married a month before John was drafted and transferred to Texas, where he trained Army medics. The couple’s oldest daughter, Judy Schultz (husband John) of Lyndon, was born there. Two more daughters, Nancy Wyllie of Topeka, and Becky Mitarotondo (husband Joseph) of Bolingbrook, IL., arrived after the family moved back to Topeka when John’s tour of duty ended.

After their youngest daughter was born, Betty finally learned how to drive. She enjoyed the newfound freedom it brought to regularly go on shopping excursions or have coffee with her many friends. Betty spent the majority of her life caring for her family and wholeheartedly serving her Lord and savior alongside John as a member of Central Church of Christ. Betty was an elegant woman and an avid seamstress who loved making her own clothes. She also had a knack for decorating and loved to find treasures for her home. She had a creative eye, and if she saw something she liked, she would either make it herself, or ask John to make it for her (if it involved woodworking). She was a big fan of K-State football and could always be found in front of the TV on game days.

Betty also spent many hours enjoying her eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother. She is survived by her daughters, two sons-in-law, all of her grandchildren and their families, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Central Church of Christ 1250 SW College St, Topeka, KS 66604, Topeka Presbyterian Manor 4712 SW 6th Ave.,Topeka KS 66606 or to Midland Care 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606

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