She was a farm wife and worked from 1967 to 1995 with Kid Connection, Special Education Services and Heartland Programs and Head Start. She was an active member of the EUB Church and Church of the Cross United Methodist, was a church choir member, Sunday school teacher and youth director. She also was a member of Sweet Adelines and E.H.U.

Bethel was the glue that held the family together. She loved her family with lots of love left over for kids of all ages and needs. She made sure everyone felt welcome, accepted and special. She loved music and people. She was a devoted wife and mother.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Mattison.She is survived by her husband, Ralph, of the home; two sons, Larry Mattison and his wife, Linda, of New Cambria and Roger Mattison and his wife, Maureen, of Salina; two daughters, Judy Powell and her husband, Michael Meeks, of New Cambria, and Janice Farless and her husband, Delbert, of New Cambria; 12 grandchildren, Paul Powell, Jr., Lissa Mesa, Sarah Powell, Kelly Miller, Robin Gaedke, Heather Hutchins, Joshua Mattison, Sharon Bunting, Brian Farless, Nathan Mattison, Morgan Mattison and Lane Mattison; and 15 grandchildren, Aubrey Powell, Ashlyn Lundblade, Katherine Boutz, Sierra Hollis, Tiffany Miller, Jordan Mattison, Sidney Gaedke, Jaci Mattison, Amanda Miller, Caden Acosta, Brittany Turner, Logan Turner, Colton Bunting, Jerrod Farless and Kendale Summers.

Visitation, where the family will receive friends, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th, Salina, KS 67401.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Church of the Cross United Methodist, 1600 Rush, Salina, KS 67401, with Rev. Jerry Nolte officiating. Burial will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials are suggested to the church or Hospice of Kansas, in care of the Mortuary.