Betty Jane Wilson

Betty Jane Wilson, 98 passed from this life at home with her family on October 13, 2023. Betty was born on August 17, 1925, in Troy Ohio to Emerson W. Brumbaugh and Miriam Kern Gnagey Brumbaugh. Betty graduated from Staunton High School and Manchester College (now University). After college Betty attended stewardess school, but ultimately stayed in Troy to help her parents with Brumbaugh’s Restaurant on the Troy square. That was the best decision of her life as that led to her meeting Ken Wilson, the handsome young man that had come to Troy to start a hockey team at Hobart Arena. They were married in 1953 at Troy Church of the Brethren and had three children. Ken’s career as a hockey manager and owner required many moves to various cities throughout the U. S. including Greensboro NC, Omaha NE, Toledo OH, Des Moines IA, Flint MI, Muskegon MI, Englewood OH, Peoria IL and North Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Although Betty was able to be a homemaker and full-time mother, she also had the opportunity to teach English part time in North Vancouver on the Indian Reserve and taught preschool while they were living in Englewood, OH. Ken and Betty resided in Knoxville TN after Ken’s hockey career to assist their elder son with a weekly newspaper. In 1991 Betty and Ken retired to Sun Bird Golf Resort in Chandler, AZ where Betty enjoyed the many warm weather activities with new friends, but also making time for relaxing on the couch as she was an avid reader. Betty and Ken enjoyed spending family time with two of their children that resided nearby. Ken passed away in 2008 and in 2012 Betty made her final move along with her daughter and family to Franklin, TN to be closer to her sons. Betty enjoyed many relaxing times on the deck with her daughter with a glass of wine in hand watching golf or hockey, but also reveled in the livelier family members and friends having raucous parties.

Betty was an impeccable home maker and became excellent at packing/unpacking and creating a beautiful new home for her family each time they moved. Betty was known for her sweet infectious smile and her grandson, Parker brought out the biggest smile from her. Over the years, Betty’s love, patience, kindness, tolerance and generosity of spirit made her much loved by family, friends and neighbors. When Betty was asked which person had the greatest influence on her life, she responded it was her maternal grandmother because her life exemplified a giving spirit and unselfishness towards others. Betty had a framed print of Galatians 6.9. that she hung in a special place in each of our homes: “Be not weary in well doing”. Although she was well into her 90’s Betty was still striving to live that unselfish life and she was seen daily sweeping dog hair from the hardwood floors, folding laundry, setting the table and frequently throughout the day asking what can I do for you?

Betty is predeceased by her husband Ken and brother Lowell, survived by her children, Jeff (Pam), Jenny Jones (Casey), and Tim (Trish), grandchildren Parker Jones, Sierra Townsend (Mat) and Bryan Cook (Ruth) brother Mart (Connie) and many nieces and nephews.

Mother, you are deeply loved and dearly, dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life gathering is planned for Betty in Troy, Ohio in May.

The family wishes to thank Alive Hospice for their compassionate care over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to Manchester University at:

https://www.manchester.edu/alumni/giving-to-mu/make-a-gift