Betty Jane (Hoke) Harper
July 21, 1920 — January 14, 2017
Betty Jane (Hoke) Harper, 96, was called home by her Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 14. She was born July 21, 1920, in Onarga, IL, to Ruth Lenore (Spear) and Fred Grant Hoke. Betty Jane moved to Indiana when she was 3 and graduated from LaFontaine High School, LaFontaine, IN, in 1938. On January 10, 1942, she married her high school sweetheart Howard E. Harper. They enjoyed 38 years together before he died June 28, 1980.
Prior to her marriage Betty Jane was a Bell Telephone Operator in Marion, IN. Later she was a bookkeeper for Harper Building Contractors, her husband’s business. She served on the board of Troyer Memorial Library in LaFontaine and worked as an assistant librarian.
Betty Jane was an avid bowler and was presented a silver bracelet when she bowled a perfect 300 game. She enjoyed reading, traveling, collecting dolls, decorating, cooking, and entertaining in her home. Her greatest joy was her family.
She lived in LaFontaine, Indiana, for 89 years and has been a resident of Berkeley Square Retirement Community in Hamilton, Ohio, for the last four years. Betty Jane has been a member of LaFontaine Christian Church since 1930 and is a member of Hamilton-Fairfield Newcomers & Neighbors Club. Formerly she belonged to Rebekahs, LaFontaine Study Club and Women’s Department Club of Marion, IN.
Betty Jane is survived by three daughters, Carole (Paul) Laycock, Fairfield, OH; Jane (Merlin) Ridgeway, LaFontaine, IN; Lisa Welch, Leo, IN; and a niece, Roxie (Dale) Spaulding, Shell Lake, WI.
Her surviving family also includes seven grandchildren: Cindi (Jim) Weaver, Fairfield, OH; Brian (Tracy) Laycock, Fairfield, OH; Jeff (Kellie) Ridgeway, LaFontaine, IN; Jeni (Bob) Mullett, Lafayette, IN; Justin Ridgeway, LaFontaine, IN; Caitlin Welch, Indianapolis, IN; and Caleb Welch, Leo, IN. She has 11 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Clyde E. Hoke; son-in-law Todd Welch; and great grandchild, Marc Douglas Laycock.
A celebration of life and comfort will be held at LaFontaine Christian Church, 202 Bruner Pike, LaFontaine, IN on Saturday, January 21, at 2 pm with Pastor Brad Wright officiating. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service for visitation.
Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in LaFontaine, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be designated to LaFontaine Christian Church.
Condolences can be sent to www.avancefuneralhome.com