Natalie "Faith" James

Natalie "Faith" James (Betz), cherished by many, was born September 3, 1925 in Liberal, Kansas to Frank and Florence Betz. She graduated from Bucklin High School in 1943 and pursued her passion for teaching at Northwestern State College in Alva, Oklahoma. After earning her teaching certificate, she began her career in Trinidad, Colorado. Faith later moved with her parents to Rantoul, Kansas, and taught in the Lane Elementary School for 5 years. After raising her children, she became a beloved substitute teacher for the Central Heights School District, impacting students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

A lifelong member of the Eastern Star, Faith served as Worthy Matron for the first time at the young age of 26. Having overcome the challenges of crippling Polio Myelitis early in life, she became a steadfast advocate for vaccinations. Her interests included singing, reading, embroidery, word searches, and playing Bingo and Dominoes.

It was in Lane, Kansas, that Faith met her future husband, Albert G. James. They married on June 19, 1949, sharing 62 wonderful years together until Albert's passing in 2011.

Faith was preceded in death by her parents; Brothers and sisters-in-law: Hobart & June Betz and Barton & Connie Betz; two nephews and one niece. She leaves behind a loving legacy through her four children and their spouses: Victoria (Robert) Hoke, George (Shelly) James, John (Lynne) James, and Robin (Susan Roberts) James. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren with one more expected, two nephews, two nieces, and numerous great-nephews and nieces. Her strength, kindness, and dedication to family and community will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be 12:00p.m.. Friday June 26, 2026 at Lane United Methodist Church, Lane, Kansas. Visitation to be held one hour prior beginning at 11:00a.m. Burial to follow at Lane Cemetery.