Betty Kunze

Beatrice L. "Betty" Kunze, has finally received her reward, "going home" to be with the Lord Wednesday morning, December 18, 2013, at the Kingston Residence in Marion following an extended illness. She was 98 and of Mount Gilead.

On August 2, 1915, Betty was born in Morrow County, Ohio, the daughter of the late Archie and Verna (Fidler) Booze. She was raised on Yankee Street in Fredericktown, and graduated from the Fredericktown High School in the Class of 1933.

After graduation, Betty worked as a practical nurse for the Sawyer Sanitarium in Marion. She worked there until she married Lester K. Kunze, on January 20, 1937, at her parent's home, and she joined him on his family farm. During their 55 years of marriage, they were rarely apart. Together they cared for the farm, with Betty tending to the needs of their livestock and animals. She also helped with their vegetable garden, canning as much of their crop was needed to get them through the winter.

In addition to helping on their family farm in Washington Township, both Betty and Lester were bus drivers for Iberia, and later Northmor School Systems for well over 20 years.

Having a mothering heart, Betty could not stand for seeing a child in need and left behind. Her heart especially melted for precious little babies. After one train trip to see a doctor in her 20's, much to Lester's surprise, she returned home with her first foster child in her care. Over the years, they would foster 19 more children, to give them a warm and safe home, and shower them with as much love as they could. She quickly became known as "Mom" to those children.

A woman of faith, Betty was an active member of the Boundary United Methodist Church in Edison. She also was active with the friendship parish, even going on mission trips with them in her 80's. She also was a member of the Morrow County Farm Bureau, Canaan Council, and the Friendly Neighbors Council.

Motherly in every way, Betty always put the needs of others before her own. She had such a sweet and positive spirit, seeing the best in every situation. Most important of all to Betty was her family, they were her first and last thought every day.

She will be missed by her son, Verlton (Becky) Kunze of Mount Gilead; her daughter-in-law, Velma Kunze of Mount Gilead; 7 grandchildren: Dale (Anne) Kunze, Ann (Keith) Artrip, Vanessa (Ian) Panth, Vaughn (Natalie) Kunze, and Vance Kunze; 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

Including her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Lester K. Kunze in 1992; her son, L. Val Kunze in 2009; her daughter-in-law, Patricia Kunze in 2004; her brother and sister-in-law, Berdette and Ginny Booze; and her sister-in-law, Margaret Miley.

Her family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m. on Friday, December 20th, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Boundary United Methodist Church (address below). Her family will again greet friends for an hour prior to her services. Burial will follow in Rivercliff Cemtery in Mount Gilead.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boundary United Methodist Church, 3216 Twp. Rd. 75 (at CR 9), Edison, OH 43320.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Betty's family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.