Elizabeth "Betty" Bass

Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” F. Bass, 102, died the 30th of April, 2006 at St. Francis Hospital, Topeka KS. Prior to WWII, Mrs. Bass was a secretary with several law firms in Topeka. Later, she was employed at the US Naval Ammunition Depot, Hastings NE; US Army Air Base, Independence KS and in the Comptroller Dept., Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, from which she retired June 30, 1973. Mrs. Bass was born Nov. 21, 1903 in Alma KS, the youngest of 14 children of Anton and Elizabeth Auer Kast. Upon the death of her mother, on Nov. 22, 1903, she was adopted by Julia A. and John B. Maguire of Kaw Township, Wabaunsee County. She graduated from high school in St. Marys KS and taught one year in a rural school near Blaine KS. She was graduated from Strickler’s Business College, Topeka, and later attended Coffeyville Junior College. Mrs. Bass was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church, the Altar Society, and was a past president of the “Over Fifty-Five Club” at Assumption Church, Topeka. She was a member of the Topeka Business and Professional Women’s Club for 30 years and served a term as its president. She served 2 years on the Board of the Kansas Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She was past president of the Gavel Club and of the Assoc. of Retired Members of the Topeka BPW club. In Oct. 1984, she received “Woman of the Year” from Topeka BPW. She served the Pilot Club of Topeka as president for 2 terms; was president of Kaw Chapter, Professional Secretaries International (formerly National Secretaries Assoc.) for 2 years, and had served the state organization as treasurer for 2 terms. She was Kaw Chapter’s “Secretary of the Year” in 1971 and received the Chapter’s Distinguished Service Award in 1984. Mrs. Bass was a past president of Topeka Club, International Training in Communication (formerly Topeka Toastmistress Club) and was state president for 2 terms. Her articles have been published in state, region, and ITC periodicals. She has served as a judge for area speech contests and high school debates. She was a charter member and past president of Shawnee County Chapter No 2367, American Assoc. of Retired Persons, and a member of the National AARP. She held membership in Chapter 2, National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees and its National organization. She had been a volunteer for the Catholic Charities Friendly Visitor program; Red Cross Meal site, Highland Park Methodist Church and for Medical II, Brewster Place. She was married to Ary E. Bass, Sept. 8, 1926 at Medford OK. He died Oct. 4, 1951. Surviving is one nephew and numerous cousins. Mrs. Bass will lie in state from 5 to 7 p.m. Tues. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614, with a parish rosary prayed at 6:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wed. at St. Matthews Church with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Elizabeth "Betty" Bass

November 21, 1903 - April 30, 2006