Betty L. Bradley

Betty L. Bradley, 92, of Winfield, Kansas passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Cumbernauld Village.

Born in Winfield on April 20, 1930 to Earl and Margaret (Waldorf) McGowan. Graduated from Winfield High School in 1948, and Southwestern College, cum laude, in 1951. She was commissioned and served in the Medical Specialists Corp. of the U.S. Army during the Korean War where she trained and served as a physical therapist. She was honorably discharged in 1955 as a Second Lieutenant and moved back to Winfield where she taught school for three years.  Betty married Phillip Bradley in 1952 and moved to Kansas City where she taught two more years. 

Betty became a physical therapist at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas and was promoted to director of the program nine months later. Moved back to Winfield in 1960 and taught one more year of school before establishing the physical therapy department at the hospital in Arkansas City.  Betty also worked as the director of physical therapy at the Winfield State Hospital until her retirement in 1999.  After retirement she continued to work PRN at the hospital in Arkansas City for several years.

Betty enjoyed reading, going to the library, cross-stitching, singing in the church choir, and playing bridge. She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, a 60-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, president of the Southwestern Alumni Club, and a member of the Soroptimist Club.  Betty loved volunteering and her service to others could fill a book. To name a few; she served at the Winfield Veterans’ Home, the Winfield School District, the William Newton Auxiliary, Harry Hynes Hospice, Estes Park, as a Phone Pal, and accompanied youth groups to Camp Horizon. Betty also played the cello in the Winfield Municipal Band and won the Community Cornerstone Award in 2002.

Above all, Betty was a devoted, and single mother to five children. Her children participated in many activities during their youth and she encouraged and supported each of them in their wide array of endeavors. She had two grandchildren whom she adored beyond measure.

Betty is survived by her daughters Paula Bradley, Pamela Anderson and husband Darwin, and Penny Fell, and grandsons Brandon and Ryan Fell. She is preceded in death by her parents, son Philip R. Bradley, and daughter Patricia R. Bradley, sister Joan Leland, and brothers Edward, James, and Paul McGowan.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery.  Memorial contributions for Betty may be made to the Winfield Public Library and the American Heart Association, donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Winfield.