Betty Jane (Johnson) Kennedy

Betty Jane Kennedy

December 20, 1931     June 17, 2017

     Betty Jane (Johnson) Kennedy, 85, formerly of Martinsburg and Roaring Spring, passed away early Saturday morning at Hearthside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, State College following a lengthy illness.  She was born in Chester County, the eldest child of the late Byron and Etta (Hugo) Johnson.  On July 14, 1950, she was joined in marriage with Donald E. Kennedy, who survives her.

     Together they raised seven children, and surviving are; Belinda Pryma (Lee) of Gap, Jeffrey (Beth) of Pleasant Gap, Melissa (Bill Shreve) of Dauphin, Leslie Swisher (Mitchell) of Wind Ridge, Matthew (Renee) of State College, Keith (Amy) of Bedford and Christopher (partner of Tess) of Altoona.  Betty was Mom Mom to 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  She also cared for over 40 foster children and infants and provided babysitting services to many others.

     She is also survived by three sisters, whom she loved very much; Patsy Johnston and Ruth Fitzmaurice both of Coatesville, and Donna Higginbotham of Glenmore.  Betty was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Hertzler and her only brother, Roy.  Family gatherings with her siblings were joyous events with much laughter and conversation.

     Raised as a farmer’s daughter, Betty became a farmer’s wife.  She supported her husband’s long hours at the barn by making sure their home life ran smoothly.  Betty said she was happiest when her children were happy.  In addition to all children, Betty loved God, flowers, and music.  She faithfully served God all of her life.  In the churches she attended, Betty served in a variety of capacities, including: teaching children's Sunday school classes, serving on committees and providing special music during services.   After her children had grown, she pampered her pets and carefully watched over various bird families each spring.  Full of energy, she rarely sat, but when she did, it was to join her husband in watching “The Young and the Restless” or to play board and card games during family visits.  If Betty wasn’t humming a tune, her family knew something was bothering her.

     A public graveside service will be held at 1pm, Friday, June 23, 2017 at Spring Hope Cemetery, Martinsburg, Pastor Ronald Page officiating.  Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

bolgerfuneralhome.com