In the early afternoon of March 19, 2021, Betty Lou Kinsinger age 59 of Waynesboro, Virginia, accepted her invitation to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. Betty Lou had been anticipating her homegoing for a few years, ever since she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017 and was told that she had nearly slipped into a coma, due to high blood sugar. Betty Lou was looking forward to her heavenly wedding day and specifically requested that she be dressed in white for her funeral. Her children have carried out her wishes and dressed Betty Lou in her favorite white dress for this sad but joyous occasion.
Betty Lou (Witmer) Kinsinger was born on August 28, 1961. She grew up in Mt. Crawford, Virginia, and was the second of six children born to Amos Henry Witmer and Wilda Grace (Knicely) Witmer. When Betty Lou was young, she had two nicknames: “Sunshine” and “Freckles.” She had a small sprinkling of freckles that graced her cheeks throughout her life (Especially in the summertime, because she loved being outdoors working in her garden, mowing the lawn, and planting gorgeous flowers. Her green thumb was notorious.). But the nickname “Sunshine” better suited her personality than “Freckles.” She was a loving, happy, uncomplicated person who quietly enjoyed life and brought joy to others. Her chief ambition in life was to love those around her well, and her expressions of love often took the form of food. Betty Lou enjoyed cooking and was famous for the annual banquets that she created for her husband’s seed corn customers, the feasts that she lavished upon guests in her home, and the smaller meals served with devotion and great joy to her immediate and extended family.
Betty Lou attended public school for first grade before her parents enrolled her at Hickory Hollow Christian School in Bridgewater, Virginia. Betty Lou then attended Hickory Hollow Christian School until the 8th grade. In her youth, Betty Lou committed her life to the Lord and followed Him wholeheartedly as best as she knew how throughout her life.
After completing her schooling, she briefly worked as a kitchen assistant at Rockingham Memorial Hospital before marrying Simon Kinsinger, the love of her life on November 20, 1981. To their union was born four children: two boys and two girls.
Betty Lou enjoyed her role as a full-time homemaker and often said that she could not imagine doing anything else in life that would be more fulfilling. She loved her family of four children and continued her nurturing ways and adoration of children by spending as much time with her grandchildren as possible in her later years. They were truly adored and doted upon by their “Mimi.” The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020-2021 was particularly hard on Betty Lou because of social distancing, which lessened her opportunities to spend time with her beloved family.
Betty Lou is survived by her mother Wilda Witmer of Mt. Crawford, Virginia; spouse Simon Kinsinger of Stuarts Draft; three sisters: Emily Witmer of Mt. Crawford, Virginia, Janice Orebaugh (spouse Everette Orebaugh) of Weyers Cave, Virginia, and Kathy Rau (spouse Brian Rau) of Weyers Cave, Virginia; two brothers: Michael Witmer of Mt. Crawford and Clyde Witmer (spouse Lorraine [Witmer] Witmer) of Monterey, Virginia; four children: Denise Kinsinger of Waynesboro, Virginia, Thomas Kinsinger (spouse Chassie [Shelton] Kinsinger) of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, Debra Bradley (spouse Billie Bradley) and Edgar Kinsinger (spouse Stephanie [Brunk] Kinsinger); nine grandchildren Tobias Kinsinger, Shad Kinsinger, Eleanora Kinsinger, Wilda Bradley, Maya Bradley, Isaac Bradley, Alexander Bradley, Karis Kinsinger, and Elijah Kinsinger.
She was preceded in death by her father Amos Henry Witmer on May 3, 2018.
A walkthrough visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 1870 Stuarts Draft Highway, Stuarts Draft. All COVID-19 restrictions will apply regarding facemasks and social distancing.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Pike Mennonite Church of Harrisonburg. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the community surrounding them for their outpouring of love and support at this time. It is greatly appreciated, and they wish all the Lord’s blessing.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Stuarts Draft.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
