Betty Krenger (Kippenberger), 93, passed away at home on Friday, May 23, 2025. Betty was born February 23, 1932 in Thomas, OK, the third of five children to Joe and Sarah Kippenberger. She was raised in Thomas until moving to Abilene, KS prior to her junior year in high school. Betty adapted to life in Abilene quickly, making new friends and being named homecoming queen.
After graduating from Abilene High School in 1950, she attended Emporia State where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Education in 1954. Betty flourished in college, where she made lifelong friends and was crowned homecoming queen her senior year. Later, she earned a Masters in Library Science from Kansas State University.
On August 7, 1954, Betty married her high school sweetheart, Ed Krenger. The newlyweds spent two years in Kitzingen, Germany where Ed was deployed by the Army. It was here they developed their joy of traveling. Betty often reflected fondly on their time in Germany, especially their small apartment, visiting the Christmas market in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and starting her collection of Hummels and dishes.After returning home, Ed and Betty settled back in Abilene, where they raised their four children, Teresa, Mark, Mike and Kelly.
Betty and Ed shared a remarkable life that involved traveling, socializing with friends, and impromptu hosting of their children’s friends. Betty was a homemaker while her children were young before becoming a teacher, and eventually, the Abilene High School librarian until she retired in 1997.
Betty was an effortless host. To ensure she was always prepared for spontaneous or planned visits from friends and family, she made favorite dishes and kept them in her “magic freezer.” She was famous for her beautiful table settings and delicious food, thrown together at a minute’s notice. Betty was an avid follower of the news, current events, and sports (particularly her beloved Notre Dame football team) and instilled this in her children from a young age. During their breakfast, Betty always had a news program on the television and the Kansas City Star on the table.
Betty’s greatest joy was her family. She and Ed were very active in their kids’ lives. From encouraging involvement in faith, academics and sports to embracing their friends, they found happiness being engaged in their various activities. After Ed’s passing, Betty loved nothing more than visiting and keeping tabs on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband and four siblings, Stanley Kippenberger, Patsy McNeill Clayton, Gordon Kippenberger and Mike Kippenberger. She is survived by her children, Teresa Anderson (Mark) of Leawood, KS, Mark Krenger (Lisa) of San Antonio, TX, Mike Krenger (Sue) of Oklahoma City, OK and Kelly Krenger of New York, NY. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren; Trent Anderson, Lauren Renfro, Kelly Batten, Sarah Beth Cole, Caroline Krenger, Will Krenger, John Krenger, Joseph Krenger, David Krenger and Danny Krenger. Additionally, she is survived by 13 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.Betty was an elegant, proud, and resilient person. She placed interests of others ahead of her own and was always asking how someone else was doing. She was naturally curious and brought joy wherever she was.
Betty lived a full and vibrant life that will provide lifetime memories to all who knew her.Services will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Abilene on Friday, June 6th at 1:00 P.M. (Rosary immediately preceding at 12:30 PM). Treats and desserts will be served following the service, and all are invited to attend.In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Abilene, KS or Friends of the Park (the Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden). Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third ST., Abilene, Kansas 67410.