Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Cantrell of Lawrence, KS, loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 16, 2019. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, April 27th, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. It will be officiated by Associate Pastor Don Lewis, (Cross Points Church, Shawnee, Kansas). A reception will follow at the Adams Alumni Center at the University of Kansas.
Betsy was born March 20,1953, the daughter of Leonard and Mary Fleske, in Larned, Kansas. She met her husband Dennis Cantrell while both were students at the University of Kansas in the early 1970’s where she studied and received her degree in Liberal Arts. She later earned a Master’s in Psychology from Avila College in Kansas City. They lived in Olathe, Kansas for much of their life and later divorced. They have a daughter, Lindsey Elizabeth Cantrell of Charlotte, North Carolina whom she loved and supported unconditionally. Betsy was known for her loving kindness and her ability to connect with individuals on a deeper level.
Other survivors include: her father, Leonard Fleske, Lawrence, brother Leonard T. and wife Sheila Fleske, Great Bend, Kansas, sister Linda and husband Randy Swain, Lawrence, niece Wendy and husband Keith Hansen, Atlanta, Geogia and their sons Dane and Erik, nephews Carey and wife Jennifer Fleske, Kansas City, Missouri and their children Lyndie and Samuel, Jamie and wife Mimi Swain, Los Angeles, California, Kit Swain, Santa Monica, California and her uncle, Tom Boyd, DePere, Wisconsin, also several cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Fleske, Lawrence.
Betsy started her career doing research for a child psychologist. Subsequently she was a counselor for young unwed mothers at Light House, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri, but spent most of her early career working for Fireman’s Fund Insurance as a claims adjuster. When she moved to Lawrence in 2012 she worked in the Lawrence school district as a Para in the special needs program for several years before joining General Dynamics.
Betsy had a special relationship with her sister, Linda, and had several close friends that she enjoyed spending time with and who provided tremendous encouragement, love, and support – Betty, Carol, and Kat. She loved the Lord and enjoyed sharing Jesus with everyone she met. One of her favorite scriptures was Jeremiah 29:11. While she is gone in body, she is more alive than ever in spirit with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Revolution Church sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
I met Betsy when we worked together at the LIGHThouse in Kansas City many years ago. I was saddened to learn of her passing and will always cherish the memories I have of our long talks, her beautiful smile and her love of her daughter, Lindsey. She was pregnant during the time we worked together, and Lindsey was the joy of her life.
I was blessed to have the opportunity to work with Betsy. She had an amazing light that made everyone smile. She had the ability to bring out the positive in each person. My sincere condolences to all her family and friends.
Mary Kay just told me of Betsy’s death. My thoughts and condolences to Lindsey, Leonard, Lenny, and Linda; and their families. I remember so many church functions with Betsy and Linda; and all the times our two families would be together at one of our homes during our growing up years.
Betsy is a dear friend, and I will miss her greatly. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Thinking of all Betsy’s family now and in the days to come. So many memories of my childhood friend come flooding back. She has a special place in my heart forever