LIMA - Betty Jene Hefner, age 96, passed away August 14, 2022 at 10:50 P.M. in her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Betty was born May 10, 1926 in Hancock County to Carl and Mamie Painter who preceded her in death. Betty married her childhood sweetheart, Miles Hefner, July 8, 1944. Miles preceded Betty in death February 6, 2021.

Betty graduated from Elida High School in 1944, was a devoted wife and loving mother. Betty shared her talents as a pianist and organist with several churches throughout the greater Lima area. Betty attended Immanuel Baptist Church for several years until physical ailments prevented her from being able to attend. Betty cherished her time gardening, crocheting, canning, reading, and cooking. She passed on her Christian faith, interests, and hobbies down to her children and grandchildren throughout her life.

Betty traveled the entire United States with her husband in their motor home. They also traveled several times outside of the U.S. to Japan, Germany, and their shared favorite country of Israel.

Betty was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Reed Painter, L.W. "Bud" Painter, John Painter, Clyde Painter, Marguerite Taylor, Pauline Richard, and Carlyn "Joyce" Hefner. Betty was also preceded in death by her son: John Hefner; and her unborn great-great grandchild Robin Mellano-Hamrick.

Betty is survived by her son, James Hefner, and daughter, Cathy Root. Five grandchildren: Angela Beaver, Jennifer Hefner, Shannon Mellano, Shawn Parlette, and Aaron Root. Ten great-grandchildren: McKenna Beaver, Karissa Steinke, Jordan Steinke, Miles Mellano, Mason Mellano, Mitchell Mellano, Mamie Jene Mellano, Danny Phalen, Elizabeth Medlock, and Kayla Solomon. And seven great-great grandchildren: Oliver Mellano, Felicity Mellano, Lionel "Henry" Mellano, Audrey Mellano, Rylan Medlock, Gabriel Solomon, and Knox Phalen.

There will be a viewing Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 6 - 8 P.M. at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, 728 E. Fourth Street Spencerville, OH 45887. A Celebration of Life will be conducted by Pastor Paul Osborne at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home Thursday, 18 August, 2022 at 11:00. Burial will be at the Greenlawn Cemetery on Dutch Hollow Rd. in Elida. All memorial contributions may be given to the Mercy Health St. Rita's Hospice 419-226-9113. Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.