Betty J. Brees

Betty June Brees, 79, of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026.

Born on April 12, 1947 in Pueblo, CO, she was the daughter of Pete Cervanyk and June Wolf. She graduated from Pueblo County High School in 1965 and attended Colorado State University where she met the love of her life and future husband, Les Brees.

Betty was known for her love of reading, crafting, decorating elaborate birthday cakes for her grandchildren, and sewing including serving as President of the Wichita Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. Above all she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband Les Brees, brother Albert Cervanyk, brother Ron Cervanyk, sister Miriam (Mim) Cervanyk, father Pete Cervanyk and mother June Wolf. She is survived by her brother Pete Cervanyk, daughter Kathy Howard (John), daughter Jennie Ponder (Mike), son Darin Brees (Stacie), granddaughter Maddie Clifton (Wyatt), granddaughter Rachel Howard (Jon Pena), grandson Dakota Ponder (Chandler Drahn), granddaughter Jamie Howard (Michael Williams), grandson Ben Brees, grandson Duncan Brees, and great grandson Brooks Clifton who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 7, 2026 from 1pm-3pm at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home 14275 S. Black Bob Rd. Olathe, KS 66062. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care. DONATE HERE