Betty Fritz

Betty Marie Fritz, age 97 of Leonardville, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Leonardville Nursing Home.

She was born on September 8, 1926, on the family farm near Green, the daughter of William and Antonia (Biegert) Friederich.

On June 24, 1947, she married Charles Nanninga.  They had five children: Charlotte, Kathy, Don, Ron, and Carroll.  He preceded her in death in 1967.  She later married Milton Malmstrom and he preceded her in death.

She married Gilbert Fritz on April 14, 1972, and they were married 39 years until his death in 2011.

Betty was a secretary for the National Development Company early in her working career.  She was the Leonardville City Clerk for 30 years and worked for the Leonardville Nursing Home.  She was awarded the Leonardville Citizen of the Year for all that she did for the community.   Betty was a huge sports fan, following the KC Royals, all K-State sports, and the KC Chiefs.  She enjoyed playing bingo two days a week and looked forward to her weekly hair appointment.

She is survived by four children, Kathy Nanninga of Derby, Don Nanninga and wife Nancy of Leonardville, Ron Nanninga and wife Donna of Abilene, and Carroll Nanninga of Dallas, Texas; two stepsons, David Fritz and wife Doris of Riley, and Alan Fritz and wife Brenda of Manhattan; one sister, Dorothy Llewelyn of Leonardville; ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Charlotte Bentley; one brother, Robert Friederich, and her granddaughter, Trisha Caley.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 12:30pm - 2:30pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Leonardville Community Building. Please plan to wear casual attire and enjoy a light luncheon. We have all felt sadness and grief since her passing, but now it's time to celebrate the remarkable life she lived.

Memorials may be made to Leonardville Pride or Leonardville Nursing Home.  Contributions may be left in the care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.