Betty Jane Pence

Betty Jane Bertha (Rings) Pence, 100 years old, of Lockbourne, OH passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Mt. Carmel Grove City.  Betty was born on January 3, 1923, to the late Herman George and Gladys Florence (Tripp) Rings at their family home in Amlin, Ohio. Betty graduated from Hilliard High School in 1941 where she met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Paul Pence Jr. Paul and Betty wed on June 8, 1941. She fulfilled her dream of being a homemaker, loving mother, and affectionate grandmother.

Betty’s life, according to those who knew her best, was one well lived serving her family. Whether it was chores on their family farm or making everyone’s favorite meals (and the world’s best chocolate chip cookies!), she was warm and caring, and had a quiet dignity, good character, an intentional purpose to love her family well and serve with extraordinary grace. She was known as a creature of habit with impeccable organization skills.  She liked everything tidy, while always making her home inviting and comfortable for all who visited. She always presented herself as classy and “put together”.  One of her favorite pastimes and creative gifts was knitting stuffed animals, baby sweaters, and blankets for her 14 great-grandchildren. Even when her expressions signified that she disapproved of or disagreed with something, she would never utter an unkind word. Good, healthy habits and “keep moving” were some of her self-proclaimed keys to a long life. All who knew her loved her.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, sister Frances Catherine (Rings) Schmidt, husband, Paul Pence, Jr., and daughter-in-law Marilyn (Hay) Pence.

Betty is survived by son Paul of Lockbourne, OH, and daughter Pam (Rodney) Kissell of Newark, OH; grandchildren Renee  French, Michelle (Jeremy) Hamilton, Ryan Kissell, Melinda Carna, Regran (Jeremy) Saling, Christopher (Christy) Pence; great-grandchildren Kenley & Kelton French, Peyton (Jessica) Hamilton, Parker, Presley and Palmer “Lewey” Hamilton, Wyatt Kissell, Hunter (Gracie) Carna, Melina & Mya Carna, Taylor Saling, Ashley, Logan and Jennalyn Pence.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 22nd from 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. with Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, 420 W. Main Street, Ashville, OH 43103.  Reverend George Winston will officiate the service.  Interment will follow at Fernwood Cemetery in Lockbourne.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Pickaway County Senior Center, (Meals on Wheels), P.O. Box 565, Circleville, OH 43103.  Online condolences can be shared at olivercheekfuneralhome.com 

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