Betty Jane Behling

Betty Jane Behling - Together Again

December 27, 1935 - January 13, 2025

Betty Jane (Bonnette) Behling, age 89, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Christ her Savior, in the home of her eldest daughter, Valerie, on January 13, 2025, following a brief illness. Betty, (Betsy to her family) was born on December 27, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, John (Coach) Behling; her much adored son-in-law, Gregory Shaver; her infant great-grandson, Jordan David Granger; parents Milton C. Bonnette and Opal F. (Nutt) Bonnette; and elder sisters Virginia Kilbourne and Joe Ann Zimmerman;

She is survived by her four daughters; Valerie Shaver, of North Canton, OH, Kim Fry, of New Lexington, OH, Christine Costello, (Vincent) of Murray, KY, and Jennifer Knapp, (Jeremy) of Grove City, OH, 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Betty was truly one of a kind. She survived spinal meningitis at the age of 10, which left her briefly blind and deaf, with her vision returning, but regaining only partial hearing in one ear. In spite of being nearly deaf the rest of her life, she learned to play the violin and was concertmaster for the Columbus Symphony. She was a competitive athlete, playing AAU women’s basketball, softball, volleyball, hockey and swimming. She was also quite a prankster, and kept her family in stitches with her crazy pronunciations of words, and ornery sense of humor. She loved playing scrabble, cards, working puzzles, reading books, and playing with the family dogs, Evie and Willow.

John and Betty were high school sweethearts and married on May 16, 1955 in Columbus, OH. Immediately following their marriage, they moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where John served in the Army for two years. They traveled extensively throughout the US during their marriage and were rarely apart. Betty was primarily a homemaker, but enjoyed working in a variety of positions throughout her lifetime, where she quickly made herself invaluable. There was always a seat at her table, with a hot cup of tea, and a listening ear. Most of all, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She deeply loved the Lord and was gifted with great wisdom and discernment. She is irreplaceable in the lives of her family, and she will be forever missed.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Saturday, January 25, from 3-5PM, with the funeral service immediately following at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123.