Betty Jean Geiser, 91, Topeka, passed away on July 7, 2018, at Brewster Place. Betty was born on January 3, 1927 in Topeka, Kansas to Russell A. and Zella M. Taylor. She graduated from Seaman High School in 1945 and earned a music degree from Washburn University in 1948. Following graduation, Betty taught music in Meriden, Kansas for several years. She then taught at the Boys Industrial School for a short time. Betty’s life-long passion was her music. She became the church organist at Seaman Congregational Church after being asked to “fill in” for a short time and ended up staying for 30 plus years. She then became organist at Central Congregational United Church of Christ for a number of years, and ended her church organist career at Brookwood Covenant Church. She shared her love of music with countless piano students, played for hundreds of weddings and funerals, enjoyed playing the piano for special occasions and events, and accompanied other musicians. She played many times for residents at Brewster Place.

Betty married Galen D. Geiser on June 1, 1950 in Topeka. Between 1973 and 1983, Betty worked in various secretarial positions for the U.S. government as she and Galen lived in several different states during his career. They returned to Topeka, where she later retired from the US Attorney’s office.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Viva Marie Swalwell; and her granddaughter, Lindsay Wilson. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Gaylene and Darrell Dibbern, Topeka; daughter, Kimberly Dixon; her brother, Russell Noel Taylor (Mel), Longmont, Colorado; grandchildren Amy Beck, Anchorage, Alaska, and Ashley Soper, Topeka; four great-grandchildren, Alex Beck, Lauren Wilson, Ryan Soper, and Jack Wilson; seven beloved nieces and nephews; and her “adopted” former neighbors, who were a son and daughter to her, Marlene Conoway and Mark Stevens.

The family wishes to express our everlasting gratitude to the Brewster Health Center staff for their loving care and attention, not only to Betty, but to the entire family. We also extend a special thank you to Great Lakes Caring Hospice for their support in recent weeks.

A memorial service will be held at Brewster Place Main Street Chapel on Thursday, July 12 at 2:00 pm. Betty will lie in-state at Parker-Price Funeral Home from 12 noon until 5:00 pm on Wednesday. Private burial will take place at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brewster Foundation Benevolent Care Fund, 1205 SW 29th Street or Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St Ste. 100, Topeka, KS 66614. To share a memory of Betty or leave a special message for her family, please click the Share Memories above.