Betty Jean Church

Betty Church was born August 26, 1926, in Howard County, Indiana, to Arthur and Dora (Creason) Robey. She died April 13, 2024, with her children by her side and under the loving and compassionate care of dedicated employees at the Legacy of Waterford, Kokomo. She always had the best room there no matter where she was moved. She always stated how lucky she was to have been able to live there.

Throughout her life, Betty was a hard worker, which undoubtedly contributed to her longevity. She often talked about carrying large bales of hay at her childhood home. After her mother's death, when Betty was just fifteen, she took over more of the household duties.

In 1949 she married World War II veteran James M. Peters. They made a home in Kokomo with James' daughter Sylvia. In 1953, Betty gave birth to their son David L. Peters. Their lives were rocked when Jim was diagnosed with a brain tumor and although he fought valiantly, he died in 1959. During the marriage and after Jim's death, Betty worked at Stellite to support the family. In 1962 she married Donald Church in West Virginia. They lived in Kokomo and in 1965 their daughter, Rachelle Church, was born. In the late 1960's, they moved to Kansas where Betty was employed at Simmons Mattress. After her divorce, Betty and her daughter moved back to Indiana. Betty worked for JC Penney and Union Bank in Kokomo and cleaned several homes for additional income. All through her life, Betty used the sewing skills that her mother taught her. She was well known in the community and she had several clients who utilized her services for alterations or custom sewing projects. She also volunteered and donated to many local charities and organizations and often assisted individuals who she felt could use a helping hand. She had a soft heart for veterans.

Betty is survived by her son, David (Judy) Peters; daughter, Rachelle (Darren) Groceman; step-daughter, Sylvia Andrews; grandchildren, Kyle (Thea) Peters, Tyler Hesselman, Dalton Groceman, Kaylie Groceman, and Kiara Groceman; great-grandchildren, Lyra Peters, Remington Peters, and Paisley Hesselman; sister-in-law, Judy Robey; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents and listed siblings preceded her in death; Russell Robey, Clarence (Juanita) Robey, Harriet (Maurice) Taylor, Mary (Jack) Meador, and Robert Robey.

There will be a visitation for Betty on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Sunset Memory Garden, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, from 10:00 AM until the time of service, at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Friends of Howard Haven, PO Box 5073, Kokomo, Indiana 46904, or BSA Troop #628, 8352 East, 50 South, Greentown, Indiana, 46936.