Mary "Bette" Elizabeth Hull

Mary Elizabeth Hull, known to most as "Bette," was a mother, teacher, musician, traveler, gardener and avid reader. She lived a bold life with charm, wit and a grace uniquely her own. Mary was born at her maternal grandparent’s farm south of El Dorado Kansas on September 23, 1919. It was on this very same farm that she enjoyed her retirement with her husband, Paul Hull of Towanda. They married on April 18, 1942, in Fort Smith, Arkansas while Paul was stationed there during WWII. They shared 74 beautiful years together and traveled to nearly every state in the United States and Canada.

In her youth, Bette was the valedictorian of her 1937 graduating class at Towanda High School. She attended Southwestern College, Friends University and graduated with a BFA in music from Wichita State University. She did further studies in literature at Emporia State University and studied education at the University of Kansas. 

Bette was an accomplished vocalist, violinist, and pianist. She was first violin in the precursor orchestra to the Wichita Symphony.

She began her teaching career in 1941, and worked as an elementary educator until 1981, dedicating 40 years of her life to Kansas children. She worked in multiple schools in Kansas including Towanda, Beaumont, Kansas City, but spent the majority of her career at Pinckney and Sunset Hills Elementary Schools in Lawrence, Kansas. She also spent her free time giving piano lessons to kids in the area.

Furthemore, Mary Hull was president of the Tau Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa and was president of the President Council of Alpha Delta Kappa, and past regent of Susannah French Putney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a long time member of the Upsilion Chapter of ADK, Daughters of the American Revolution, Order of the Eastern Star, Butler County Retired Teachers and Towanda Senior Center.

Mary died at the age of 98, while on home hospice at her daughter's home in Topeka. She was with her daughter Susan, granddaughter, Dyan, and grandson-in-law, Wahab, at the moment of her passing. Mary sat up after a long sleep, looked out the window and went peacefully. Mary was beloved by all and will remain in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her son, Rev. Dr. Paul “Buzz” Hull, Jr., her daughter, Susan Hull Green. Mary had five grandchildren including June Dentzer, Christopher Hull (Anna), Jeremy Hull (Dawn), Dyan Green Akkouche, and Collin Hull. She had five great-grandchildren Lena, Emma, Nora, Joey and Amelia.

Her family will gather with friends on Friday, June 1, from 5-7 p.m. Her funeral service will be held Saturday, June 2, at 1:00 p.m. both at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Towanda Cemetery, Towanda, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Daughters of the American Revolution American Essay Contest, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, or a charity of your choice. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Bette at www.carlsoncolonial.com

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