Elizabeth "Betty" Barkett Cochran

Elizabeth “Betty” Barkett Cochran lived a full and witty life. Born May 10th, 1934, in Akron, Ohio to Clyde and Mapsy Barkett. Living throughout the U.S., she picked up the skills, humor, and patience necessary to raise five strong and equally clever children with her husband of 61 years, Bobby Eugene Cochran. Their children include: Dave (and Renny) Cochran; Pete (and Christie) Cochran; Jeff (and Cindi) Cochran; Leigh (and Jerry) Cochran-Freihage; and Susan Cochran McWhorter. Betty was the OG entertainer, thespian, and creative spirit of her time, curating endless traditions and memories to be passed down for generations to her numerous grand- and great- grandchildren who loved and adored her. Betty was the infamous Witch Hazel every Halloween; everyone’s favorite Cake Boss at birthdays; the meanest Chickenfoot and Farkle player to ever beat you mercilessly at holidays. She could create and recreate everything out of anything with a little artistic thought and her favorite helpers; whether sewing clothes, woodworking, painting, or creating poems, theatrical skits, and crafts. She even made intricate college mascot hats for the alma matters of her grandchildren. She was happiest with her arms full of her dogs, followed perhaps by her children, a paint brush and golf clubs. Mom found great joy in writing her life in humor, on the golf course, in her garden, and playing Bridge. She was wicked smart completing puzzles and crosswords in a flash and creating elaborate scavenger hunts via her short hand and pictography skills. She brought smiles, love, and the imagination of wonderous fantasy to all who knew her. We will miss her dearly but it is her time to get over her fear of flying and soar above with Lt. Col. G'Bob! Visitation, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Wednesday, January 11, 2023; Service, 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 12, 2023, both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Memorials have been established with: Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219 and Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.