Bettie Jene Atkinson, age 82 of rural Columbus, Kansas passed away Friday (1-19-2007) at the St. Johns Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Missouri after an illness.

She was born August 16, 1924 at rural Columbus, KS the daughter of Floyd and Mattie (King) Crane.

She married Marion E. Atkinson July 21, 1940 in Joplin, Missouri; he survives of the home.

She was a member of the Neutral Church in Neutral, KS and also a 4-H leader Spring Valley 4-H Club of 14 years, Lifetime member of the Columbus Saddle Club and Cherokee County Livestock Improvement Assoc., and the American Brahma Breeders Club.

Survivors include Marion D. of the home, 3 sons Marion Wayne of Columbus, KS, Rick Edward and Keith Eugene both of rural Baxter Springs, 5 daughters Beverly Jean Capron of Tulsa, Ok., Carolyn Ann Ranta of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Shirley Dian Pate of Lewis Port, Kentucky, Marilyn Jane Rogers of Welch, Ok, Sherrie Lynn Nida of rural Columbus, Ks; and one brother Bob Crane of Carl Junction, Mo. 18 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by 3 brothers Earl, Charles, Dean Crane and one sister Bonnie Larison.

Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 24, 2007 at the Center Christian Church of rural Columbus, Ks. Rev. Jerry Von Moss officiating. Burial will be in the Park Cemetery Columbus, KS. The family will have a visitation 6-8p.m. Tuesday January 23, 2007 at the Simpson Funeral Home, Inc, Columbus, Ks. Memorials can be sent to the Cherokee County 4-H Council and may sent to Simpson Funeral Home, Inc. 323 S. Kansas Ave Columbus, Ks. 66725