Born November 6, 1923 in Mansfield to Wesley Hurlburt and May Hurlburt (Bookmyer), member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she was attendance secretary for many years. She attended Mansfield schools before moving to Akron Central High School in June 1942. She worked at Goodyear Aircraft and in the office at Firestone before moving back to Mansfield. She then enlisted in the US Navy (WR) in February of 1944. She was honorably discharged on August 21, 1946 as Yeoman 1st Class. After that she worked at Westinghouse for 39 years in the office as a secretary retiring in January of 1988.
Betty loved to sew and made many baby blankets and Halloween costumes over the years. Family was very important to Betty, and spending time together was a priority as every Sunday the family went to eat at Mom’s Restaurant. A dedicated grandmother, Betty attended all of her grandchildren’s sporting events. She had a lifetime pass to Madison sports. A family need was never unmet, and the family welcomed to return the generosity over the last few years.
Betty is survived by her son-in-law, Randy Ward; three grandchildren, Joshua (Kristie) Ward, Jordan (Charise) Ward, and Jessica (Joshua) Mergel; nine great grandchildren: Adeline, Audrey, and Aleena Ward, Gavin, Chelsea, Rachel, and Scarlett Ward, and Brenda (Gracie) and Calvin Mergel; two great-great- grandchildren, Cayson and Layla Ward she loved all her grandchildren very much; and her step sister, Patricia (Robert) Weidner.
She was preceded in death by her mother, May Bookmyer; step father, Joseph Bookmyer; father, Wesley Hurlburt; brother, Clifford Hurlburt; step brothers, Junior and Alva Bookmyer; step sisters, Javetta Whitemire and Bernadine Bookmyer; and beloved daughter, Brenda Bartlett Ward.
Family and friends may visit from 1:00-2:00 pm on Friday, May 6, 2022 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street. Rev. Jeremy Muncy will officiate the funeral service beginning immediately at 2:00 pm. Betty will be laid to rest in Mansfield Cemetery with military honors being performed by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure, 13770 Noel Rd. Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380.
