Betty Jane BJ Montfoort, 83, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at Brookside Retirement Center, Overbrook. Ms. Montfoort was born April 21, 1929, in the Twin Mound area, south of Richland, KS. Ms. Montfoort was the daughter of J. Henry and Bessie Scheer Montfoort. She lived most of her life in Douglas and Shawnee counties. Ms. Montfoort was a graduate from Christ Hospital School of Nursing, Topeka, KS. She also attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. She was a nurse at various VA Hospitals from 1949-1956. She taught nursing at Baptist School of Nursing, Nashville. Ms. Montfoort was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church. She did volunteer work at the church, the American Red Cross, the Kansas School for the Blind, and the Foster Grandparent Program. She married William A. Whitehead on February 19, 1952. Ms. Montfoort is survived by her daughter, Jayne Elizabeth Whitehead, Oxford, OH. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 28, 2012, at Lowman United Methodist Church, Topeka. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Friday, at the church. Private interment will be at Twin Mound Cemetery, Overbrook. Memorial contributions may be made to Lowman United Methodist Church, 4000 Drury Lane, Topeka, KS 66604, or Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 Rochester Rd, Topeka, KS 66617. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, is assisting with arrangements. To leave the family a special message online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
