The Kahler family invites you to join them on Sunday, April 14, in the Community Room to celebrate Betty and Shorty’s 70th anniversary. Their three daughters will present a short concert to celebrate a lifetime of songs. Due to space restrictions, there will be two concerts that guests may choose from to attend, one at 2 p.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m. Cake and punch will be served in the foyer and there will be extra seating in the Game Room.

Betty and Shorty Kahler moved to Meadowlark Hills in February 2009 and enjoy an active lifestyle which includes many social and spiritual opportunities, most of them right here at Meadowlark Hills!

Both Betty and Shorty grew up in Rutland, SD, where they first met in elementary school. They were married in 1943 and have three grown daughters: Jane, Janet and Kit.

Shorty attended Ottawa University, and majored in music education. During his 25 years of teaching band and vocal music, he was successful in building music departments in several schools across Kansas, Nebraska and Tucson, AZ. Shorty is a self-taught professional piano tuner and technician. He has used that skill to service many churches, schools, the Kansas State University Music Department, several famous concert musicians, as well as the pianos at Meadowlark Hills. Shorty also earned his master’s degree at K-State in 1973.

Betty developed her God-given ability to play the piano “by ear” since her very early years, and enjoyed sharing her talent in schools, churches, community clubs and social settings. She continues to play and sing duets with Shorty, which they’ve done for many years. Betty also found great satisfaction as the librarian in various school, city and hospital medical libraries, finding happiness in the interaction with those she helped.

Faith and family have always been at the forefront in the lives of Betty and Shorty. They were both involved in the church. Shorty directed church choirs with Betty as his lead alto. Betty’s gifts include: creating a welcoming home for their family and friends, sewing for herself and their daughters, cooking and baking for the whole family. All of her gifts were continual blessings for the entire Kahler family.

Yes, Betty and Shorty have been committed to each other for over 70 years, through thick and thin, through sickness and health, and are still blessed to share their love for music and their love for each other. Boyfriend and girlfriend since first and second grades, the Kahlers are grateful to be celebrating this momentous anniversary. Please join them in celebrating on Sunday, April 14!