Mrs. Betty Jane Staats

Staats Betty Jane Staats, 79, of Lancaster, formerly of Willow Street, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from Hospice of Lancaster County – Mt. Joy, after a brief illness. Born in Highville, PA, she was the widow of Luther W. Staats, Jr., who died on February 20, 2010. She was the daughter of the late John F. and Ethel M. Miller Gerlach. She was very active at the Boehm's United Methodist Church where she was a choir member for 40 years. She was also active with the yearly Rawlinsville Camp Meeting and in earlier years enjoyed playing the piano. She enjoyed cooking, dining out, traveling, including cruise trips, family vacations, and will be remembered as a loving and caring person. Betty retired from the former American Medical Labs, now known as Quest, where she was a courier for 15 years. Prior to that, She worked for Tank Truck Rentals as a secretary; Educators Mutual Life Insurance Company as a bookkeeper and the American Seed Company. She and her husband were the owners of the Staats Motel, currently located in Willow Street, from 1968 – 1984. Betty is survived by her son, Kevin, husband of Alice Staats of Wrightsville, PA; a sister, Donna L., wife of Eugene Stauffer of York, PA; two grandchildren, Ryan And Troy Staats, at home ; two nieces, Kelly Stauffer of York, PA., and Amy Stauffer of Massachusetts. A brother, Bobby Gerlach and a sister, Connie Lou Gerlach preceded her in death. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Betty's Life Celebration Funeral Service from Boehm's United Methodist Church, 13 W. Boehm's Road, Willow Street, PA 17584 on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. with The Rev. Chris K. Eden officiating. Interment at Boehm's United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home of Fred F. Groff, Inc., 234 W. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17603 on Monday, January 30, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603-9983 or Boehm's United Methodist Church, 13 W. Boehm's Road, Willow Street, PA 17584 To share a fond memory of Betty, please visit our website at www.lifecelebration.com Fred F. Groff, Inc. A Life Celebration Funeral Home 234 W. Orange Street Lancaster, PA 17603 717-397-8255