Betty Griffith

Betty Louise (Matlock) Griffith of Wichita, formerly of Eureka, died on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center, in Wichita, at the age of 77.

Betty was born on July 16, 1948, in Eureka, Kansas, the daughter of Jessie Hubert and Ethel Anna (Booth) Matlock. She grew up in Augusta, where she graduated with the High School Class of 1966. While her nurturing spirit was evident from a young age, it was in 1988 that she reached a major professional milestone, successfully completing her boards to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. This accomplishment fulfilled her lifelong interest in caring for others and began a career defined by compassion.

On December 31, 1966, Betty was united in marriage to Marvin Wheat. To this union, four children were born. Though this marriage later ended in divorce, Betty’s greatest pride remained the family they built together.

On December 30, 2002, she found love and companionship again when she married Keith Duane Griffith in Eureka. Although Keith preceded her in death on July 14, 2004, the time they shared remained a cherished chapter of her life.

A woman of unmistakable elegance and style, Betty lived a full and vibrant life. She enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, gardening, shopping, knitting, playing bingo, singing, and attending social gatherings. She especially cherished traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She also had a passion for collecting American Indian memorabilia and treasured her jewelry, especially her turquoise pieces.

Her compassion extended well beyond her own home and family. Betty’s heart for service led her to become a foster parent, and she spent many years lovingly knitting slippers for children in need.

Betty is survived by her children: Jess and Stephanie Berding-Wheat of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Alex and Barbara (Wheat) Gittens of Phoenix, Arizona; Marvin II and Candy Wheat of Emporia, Kansas; and Randy and Rosann (Wheat) Knight of New Braunfels, Texas. She is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren: Carson Wheat, Collin Wheat, Paige Knight, Isaac Knight, Alec Wheat, Lila Wheat, and Emma Gittens; as well as her sister, Ann M. Garr of Waxahachie, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and ten siblings: Wesley Leo "Butch" Matlock, Jesse Cleo Matlock, Eda Fern Mitchell, Orville Laverne Matlock, Jake McCullen Matlock, Doris Lorene Crowell, Delbert Leon Matlock, Alden Augusta Matlock, Marilyn Sue Clark, and Carolyn Kay Mason.

Betty’s warmth, humor, and grace will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Koup Family Funeral Home, Eureka with Pastor Jerry Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Janesville Cemetery, Hamilton. Visitation hours are 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.