Betty Jo Emerick, 90, of Hoagland, Indiana, passed away on Thursday morning, October 9, 2025, at Ossian Health Care in Ossian, Indiana.
She was born on February 25, 1935, in Santa Rosa, Texas, to the late Joe Allen and Della (McLamore) Westbrook. Betty was united in marriage to Donald Emerick on August 25, 1956, at West Creighton Christian Church, and he preceded her in death on November 28, 2022.
Betty was a member of Hope United Methodist Church in Hoagland, Indiana. She belonged to the United Methodist Women’s Group and the Christian Women’s Association. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.
Betty was a 1953 graduate of South Side High School. She was a homemaker. She also worked at Sears, Montgomery Ward, and was a typist for the Fort Wayne Credit Bureau.
Betty loved to bake.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Donna Pritchard, of Hoagland, Indiana; son, Curtis A. Emerick of Valdez, Alaska; son, Kenneth Emerick of Hoagland, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Elijah Emerick, Benjamin Emerick, Amelia (Farron) Gearte, Jesse Pritchard, Jennifer (Matt) Schorey, Heather (Christopher) Keeney, Brittany Emerick, and Kevin (Kayla) Emerick; seventeen great-grandchildren, Aniston Pritchard, Gage Pritchard, Keira Wiegmann, Savannah Wiegmann, Shyann Wiegmann, Payton Pritchard, Jayden Pritchard, Daniel Hoskins, Mason Pritchard, Emma Pritchard, Jackson South, Elaina Emerick, Kenna Gearte, Jacyi Gearte, Miah Pritchard, Parker Gearte, and Royce Gearte; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her sisters, Sue Monson, Joyce Wade, Irene Nichols, and Evelyn Gaunt.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Hope United Methodist Church in Hoagland, Indiana, with Pastor Cindy Osgood officiating. Burial will take place at Antioch Cemetery in Hoagland, Indiana.
Family and friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Preferred memorials in Betty’s memory can be given to the Hope United Methodist Church.
Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Jacobs Chapel of Monroeville, Indiana
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
111 South Water Street, Monroeville, IN 46773

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more