Betty Lou Privitt

Betty Lou Privitt, a loving mother and a devout Christian, has peacefully passed away at the age of 94 on Jan. 28, 2025, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Born on Dec. 22, 1930, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to the late George Dewey Kitterman and Lucy Ellen Kitterman, Betty was the third of four children and had a happy childhood on a small country farm.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Juanita and her brother Jack. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Howard of Osceola; her daughter Patti "Trish" (Mark) Swetonic of Virginia; her son, Stanley Ray Privitt of South Bend; her beloved grandchildren, Nicole Howard, Caroline Swetonic and Joseph Swetonic; and her adored great-grandchildren, Cory Alan Howard and Andrew Brian Mann. She will be deeply missed by her sister, Marion "Kitye" Conner of Fort Worth, Texas.

Betty's early education was in a one-room schoolhouse, and she had a high school graduating class of only 12 students. Betty had an exceptional work ethic which she instilled in her own children. She worked in the local dime store, at the newspaper and as an optical technician. She was a dedicated employee for over 25 years at Union Eye Care and Optical One in Elkhart and Mishawaka. Outside of work, Betty was an excellent bowler, a skilled pinochle player, a passionate gardener, and an ardent bird watcher. When her children were small, Betty sewed their clothes and put up jams, jellies, and made noodles and peanut brittle. Betty achieved recognition for her dedication to nature through an Audubon Certification for the backyard sanctuary she created for birds. Betty always had a large flower or vegetable garden, and she enjoyed being outside, tending her garden, and sharing the vegetables with friends and neighbors.

A lifelong Christian, Betty was an involved and active member of the Osceola United Methodist Church after the family moved to Northern Indiana in 1964. Betty never missed Sunday service and for decades helped in the church kitchen, and organized church rummage sales and bazaars. Her family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice for their loving care and support during her final days.

To her children, Betty was a supportive, positive and loving role model. She was a wonderful mother who encouraged her family to follow their dreams. Her vibrant spirit will continue to inspire her family, friends, and all who knew her.

No services will be held in Indiana. Betty will be laid to rest in her family plot in Kansas. Palmer Funeral Homes-River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Osceola United Methodist Church, 431 N. Beech Road, Osceola, IN 46561, or to the Audubon Society. Condolences may be sent to Trish Swetonic, 2987 Franklin Oaks Drive, Herndon, VA 20171. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www. palmerfuneralhomes.com.