Submitted by: Dan Rich
South Bend Tribune 1/13/2005
Betty June Town, 74, a resident of
Healthwin Specialized Care Facility, passed away Tuesday, January
11, at 2:25 a.m. in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Betty was born
February 2, 1930, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Elizabeth and Bridge
Lewis. Betty and her family moved to Indiana when she was
five years old. She was the youngest of 10 children. Betty grew
up in the Ardmore area of South Bend, graduating from Ardmore
High School.
On July 5, 1951, she married the love of her
life, Ronald Keith Town. The first time they saw each other was
at the Bonnie Doone's Drive-in Restaurant on South Michigan
Street. Betty is survived by her loving an devoted husband of 53
years, Ronald of South Bend; son, Alan and daughter-in-law, Lisa
of South Bend; sisters, Bertha Shula of Indianapolis, IN,
Ruth (Floyd) Hetfield of Plymouth, IN, Mildred (Delbert) Frick
of South Bend, Pearl (Al) Quigley of Mishawaka, IN; and
one brother, Zearl "Zeke" (Maxine) Lewis of South Bend.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded
in death by her parents; her sisters, Gertie Lewis and Myrtle Kurzhal;
her brothers, Kenny (Faye) Lewis and Lucien "Luke"
(Eleanor) Lewis.
As the baby of the family, Betty was
affectionately called "June Bug" by her older brothers
and sisters, whom she loved very much. She enjoyed the family
ritual of getting together with them and making
"chow-chow," a spicy relish that was a family recipe
and usually took two days of hard work to make and can. It was
hotter than most people could tolerate, but everyone in the
family loved it. Betty could eat a sandwich made with nothing but
hot peppers, looking at you all the while and never blinking an
eye. Betty was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker. She
struggled with health problems most of her life. However, with
the unyielding devotion of her husband and complete support of
her family, her spirit was always bright. We also can not forget
the wonderful "extended family" that Betty enjoyed at
Healthwin. Over the course of the past four years, she enjoyed
outings with fellow residents, holiday parties, the annual
"Seniors prom," the Summer Family Picnic and many other
weekly activities. Healthwin's loving care and compassion made
all of our lives easier and gave us many fond memories to
cherish. Thanks also go to her caregivers at Memorial Hospital,
who made her last days as comfortable as possible.
Visitation will take place Thursday, January
13, 2005, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home
on North William Street, South Bend. A memorial service will be
held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2005, in Welsheimer. The
family requests that memorial contributions be made to the
Healthwin Specialized Care Facility, 20531 Darden Road, South
Bend, IN 46637.