Betty Funke

Betty Funke went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 21, with her loving family surrounding her. She was born in Cooperstown on July 15, 1935 to the late Harold and Doris (McManus) Truax, of Fly Creek.

Betty met the love of her life, Harold Funke in Cooperstown while working in the drug store. They eventually made South New Berlin their forever home and had five adoring children, Karen, Kurt, Kim, Kevin and Kyle. They were married for 63 years until his passing in 2018.

Betty will always be remembered for being a wonderful mother full of love, care and devotion to her five kids. She was proud of all of our accomplishments, big and small. She taught by example how to be a friend and good neighbor to those around her. Her faith in God and the Golden Rule were an everyday part of who she was. People who knew her, often sought Betty out to care for their preschool children. She loved little ones so much! She was also very happy to meet and greet all of the friends we brought home over the years and she kept a close eye out for too much horseplay going on that might turn a fun afternoon into a trip to the E.R.

Betty loved the extended family members that came into her life; all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her bright smile and hugs made them all feel at home. Betty loved her church family and the wonderful fellowship at the South New Berlin First Baptist Church, where over many years as a member, she served on the board of Christian Education, was a member of the Missionette Ladies’ Mission Circle, and also served as a Cub Scout den mother for Pack 59 which was chartered by the church.

Betty enjoyed many activities where she gained so many friends over the years. Bowling was always a highlight of her week as well as socializing with her many friends there. She was one of the first dance students of the Donna French Dance Studio and participated in their first ever recital. Betty also enjoyed roller skating at church and local rinks, swimming at the YMCA as Harold led the water aerobics class, and dancing the Polka with her beloved Harold. She loved watching the birds at her feeder, and sitting on her porch on a nice sunny day reading her movie magazines.

Hearing from distant family members, Dolores and Joan meant so much to her in the final years of her life. She also treasured reconnecting with her cousins, Carol and Neal.

Along with her husband, Harold Betty was predeceased by her grandson, Deegan Funke; and her brother, James Truax. She leaves behind her children, Karen and Clayton Svenson, of Norwich, Kurt and Patti Funke, of South New Berlin, Kim Baker and Curt Karstetter, of South New Berlin, Kevin and Melinda Funke, of Edmeston, and Kyle Funke, of Laramie, WY; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty’s family wishes to acknowledge the tender care Mom received at Preston Manor, and recently the wonderful care given to her at Chase Memorial Nursing Home.

A private graveside service will take place in the spring at Fly Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https;//act.alz.org/donate or to the South New Berlin Fire Department at 3159 State Highway 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.