Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Lala

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Lala, 89, formerly of Woodston, Kansas, passed away on June 5, 2026, at Sunporch of Smith County in Smith Center, Kansas.

She was born on February 10, 1937, on the family farm in Plainville, Kansas, to Herman Joseph and Anna Louise (Griebel) Vohs. She was the seventh of eight children and attended early grade school in Plainville before the family moved to Alton, Kansas, in 1947. Betty graduated from Alton High School in 1956.  

On June 5, 1956, Betty was united in marriage to Larry D. Lala at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church in Osborne, Kansas. They made their home on a farm north of Woodston, where they raised their two daughters, Barbara Ann, born February 12, 1958, and Susan Elizabeth, born July 28, 1961.

Betty embraced the life of a farm wife and homemaker. She was actively involved in the daily operation of the farm, mowing, running tractors, opening gates, and assisting with the cattle herd, all while providing a full noon meal each day for her family and hired hands. An excellent seamstress, Betty made clothing for herself and her daughters, including their prom dresses.

Betty enjoyed bowling for many years on the Tuesday afternoon housewives’ league and earned numerous trophies that reflected her skill. She also played softball for many years. An avid baker, she enthusiastically supported her daughters’ and later her grandchildren’s 4-H projects. Each year, she looked forward to entering multiple baked goods in the Rooks County Free Fair, spending countless hours baking in the weeks leading up to the event.

Faith was an important part of Betty’s life. She made certain her family attended Mass on Sundays. Betty and her daughters attended St. Francis Catholic Church in Claudell, Kansas, the parish closest to the family farm. Even after regular Masses were no longer celebrated there, Betty and Larry continued caring for the church and its upkeep for many years. She especially looked forward to the annual Mass held at St. Francis in remembrance of the church’s years of service to the community.

Betty and Larry enjoyed attending dances at the Bohemian Hall and were members of the Western Bohemian Fraternal Association. She was also an active member of the Kirwin Lions Club. Together, Betty and Larry participated in the Rural Life Card Group in the Alton and Osborne area for many years.

Betty and Larry were very involved in Barbara’s and Susan’s activities, joining the Bull City Saddle Club as a result, along with the Woodston Sunflower 4H Club. Betty and Larry looked forward to and followed all the girls’ sporting events. As grandchildren came along, Betty and Larry attended many of their events, as well. Betty always made sure she had the appropriate school T-shirt!

In her early years of marriage, Betty learned to play Pinochle from her father-in-law, Vernon Townley, and quickly developed a lifelong love for the game. In her later years, she played cards at the Woodston Coffee Shop almost daily while supplying a never-ending assortment of cookies, cinnamon rolls, and treats for the morning coffee crowd and her fellow card players.

In December 2021, Betty lost the love of her life, Larry.

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Ann McClain and husband Mark of Hays, and Susan Elizabeth McCall and husband Shane of Smith Center; sister, Geraldine Orr (Roy) of Gaylord; brother Duane Vohs of Westminster, Colo.; sister-in-law, Janese Townley of Stockton; four grandchildren, Matthew McClain, Megan Engle (Kurt), Marshall McCall, and Hallie Theobald (Cody); eight great-grandchildren, Luke, Benjamin, and Ethan McClain, Brooks, Avery and Lain Engle, Everlie and Ellie Ann Theobald; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry; and brothers, Don, Raymond, Leonard, Ralph, and Bernard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Burial will follow at Ashrock Cemetery, Ashrock Township, Rooks County, Kansas. A Rosary will be offered on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. at the funeral home in Stockton.

Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Free Fair and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com