Betty L. Ensley

Betty L. Ensley, age 84, was welcomed into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family in Topeka.

Born on January 8, 1941, in Greenleaf, Kansas, Betty was born the daughter of Harry Coiner and Alice Fisher. After graduating from high school, she pursued her education at Clark Business School in Topeka and went on to a career at Security Benefit, where she served as Payroll Supervisor.

On May 7, 1960, Betty married the love of her life, Dennis L. Ensley, Sr., in Dover, Kansas. Together, they built a life rich in devotion, celebrating 65 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and family. Betty was happiest in the roles that mattered most to her—being a wife, a mother, and later, a grandmother and great-grandmother. She poured her heart into her home and family, finding joy in the simple but meaningful moments that included gardening, embroidery, crocheting, and most of all, nurturing those she loved. Betty savored the opportunity to find a “great deal” on gifts and took great pride being able to share more gifts as her keen shopping skills afforded her the opportunity. One could even say she purposely left the price tags on the gifts to relish in her bargain purchase.

Betty’s presence was a gift to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her strength, her determination, and her thoughtful, organized nature. Family often said it was “Betty’s way or the highway,” but beneath that strong will was a woman whose love was deep, constant, and true. Her legacy will continue to live on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Dennis L. Ensley, Sr.; her daughter, Laura Ensley Eddy (husband, Michael); and her son, Dennis Ensley, Jr. (wife, Denise); and close nephew, Mark (wife, Jane). Betty was a proud grandmother to Rachel Duncan (husband, Beau), Kathleen Romero (husband, Nicolas), Lauren Ensley, and Jacob Ensley; and she delighted in her great-grandchildren, Isla, Adelaide, Elodie, Cora, and Graham. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Wissman; brother-in-law, Bob Ensley (wife, Virginia); and brother-in-law, Ted Ensley (wife, Pam); nieces and nephews, Kim (husband, Tom); RonDee, John, Jr. (wife, Marcie), Kim (husband, Edo), Kent, Jill, Stephanie (husband, Brian), and Megan.

She is preceded in death by her father, Harry Coiner; mother, Alice Kaufman; her sister, Trudy Gift; brother-in-law, Walt Wissman; brother and sister-in-law, John Ensley, Sr. (wife Ruth); and nephew, Jeff Ensley

A visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2025, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A service celebrating her beautiful life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2025, also at the funeral home. Following the service, Betty will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604, or The Salvation Army of Topeka, 1320 SE 6th St., Topeka, KS 66601.

We invite you to share memories, offer condolences, or sign her digital tribute wall at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.