Obituary for Betty Jane Babe
Betty Jane (Fortney) Babe, formerly of Tyrone and a guest of The Winds at Mattern Orchard, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, January 20, 2020 at the age of 105. She was a beautiful lady of dignity and grace who made you feel good just to know her. Betty was born on November 11, 1914 in Tyrone, the daughter of Verne C. and Carrie Ross Fortney who preceded her in death. In 1944 she married veterinarian Dr. Carl Richard Babe who preceded her in death in 2004. Betty is survived by a daughter: Debora (George Slater) of Mill Valley, CA; a son: Bruce (Diane) of Warriors Mark; seven grandchildren: Larkin, Gray, Cole, Cassidy, & Rex Slater and Zoe & Max Babe; and her long-awaited great-grandson: Rhett Kern. Betty was preceded by two brothers and two sisters and was the last of her immediate family.
From an early age, Betty was immersed in Christian traditions that would be her lifelong support. Following her 1933 graduation from Tyrone High School she worked locally as a dental assistant where she met her husband. After their marriage, Betty became his secretary and scheduled all of his farm and emergency calls.
A voracious reader, Betty loved playing bridge, the piano (by ear), traveling around the USA with Carl, reading her Bible daily and nourishing those around her with love and her faith. She was a long time active member of First Presbyterian Church of Tyrone, past president of the local service league, a member of the Tyrone Historical Society and a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. At the age of 102 Betty moved from her home in Tyrone to an assisted living apartment at The Winds at Mattern Orchard where she enjoyed interacting with the residents and staff who made her feel like family during many excursions and various classes.
At Betty’s request, a funeral will not be held but a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date in the spring time with hopes of catching the daffodils in bloom.
Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the Tyrone Snyder Public Library, 1000 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686.
From an early age, Betty was immersed in Christian traditions that would be her lifelong support. Following her 1933 graduation from Tyrone High School she worked locally as a dental assistant where she met her husband. After their marriage, Betty became his secretary and scheduled all of his farm and emergency calls.
A voracious reader, Betty loved playing bridge, the piano (by ear), traveling around the USA with Carl, reading her Bible daily and nourishing those around her with love and her faith. She was a long time active member of First Presbyterian Church of Tyrone, past president of the local service league, a member of the Tyrone Historical Society and a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. At the age of 102 Betty moved from her home in Tyrone to an assisted living apartment at The Winds at Mattern Orchard where she enjoyed interacting with the residents and staff who made her feel like family during many excursions and various classes.
At Betty’s request, a funeral will not be held but a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date in the spring time with hopes of catching the daffodils in bloom.
Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the Tyrone Snyder Public Library, 1000 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686.