Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Betty June Town

Feb. 2, 1930 - Jan. 11, 2005

 

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.