Betty Bahner
1946 - 2022

Eulogy for Betty Jean Bahner – My step-mom

By Craig Bahner – November 12, 2022

From backyard ball games, to Myrtle Beach body surfing, Betty was a special lady. Over the past week, so many memories have come to life--and Betty was always at the center of them, and I am honored to be able to share a few of them here today. Betty played a huge role in my life and that of my brother Todd. Always kind and generous to Todd and I, caring for us as her own. But what made Betty special for us as kids was her willingness to jump into everything with both feet and have some fun. I always remember taking family vacations to Myrtle Beach. For Todd and I, those drives could be long and boring, but Betty made them bearable by packing THE BEST snack bags for the drive. Little Debbie’s, Oreos, M&M’s, and Pringles. It was a true goldmine for us. And then, when we got to the beach, Betty was right there with us, body surfing like a boss, and even one time taking on a wave so big it swept her under for a moment. She came up with a slightly bloody face but was undeterred. We were all sports fans, and we loved to play ball together. Almost every Sunday afternoon if the weather was nice, Dad would say, “let’s go play a little game.” We used to play 2 on 2 whiffle ball or 2 on 2 football in the back yard. Betty and I were always teammates and Dad and Todd our opponents. Dad said that was to account for the fact that I was older than Todd. Somehow, though, Dad and Todd always won. But Betty never got discouraged and for some reason never demanded that I be traded. When it came to “real sports,” Betty did not lose. Her golfing prowess was incredible. Her mantra was “low, slow, and flow.” When Betty played golf with my dad, she would not use the lady’s tees…she would carry her own with the big boys. It sure worked for her...I wish I could emulate her skill on the course. Whether it was playing little games, cutting grass, or taking walks, Betty loved to do everything barefoot whenever possible. I think she literally hated shoes! I hope she is barefoot now because that is how she was most comfortable. Betty’s love for animals is well known. I can’t count, and I doubt my Dad can either, how many dogs Betty had a hand in rescuing. Many of them were adopted by great homes, but more than a few ended up at our house. From PJ and Lady, the first two I can remember, to Girl and Boo, the two most recent, and the dozens of fortunate pups in between, Betty loved all those dogs. Betty was always gracious in handling the inevitable awkwardness that surrounds blended family events. She was always present, but never had to be the center of attention. Betty always wanted to make us feel at home. Whenever my young family would come to visit Dad and Bet, she would have prepared a pot roast and it was fantastic! In later years, it was fun to go visit Dad and Bet at their house in Cape Coral, FL. It was a beautiful setting on some wide canals, and we would spend evenings on the swing on the lanai, just chatting and relaxing the evening away. But the thing I will remember most, and what I learned most from Betty, was the example of life partnership with my dad. Truly, they were inseparable. Dad and Betty built their life together…figuratively, but also literally, building commercial buildings, car washes, houses, apartments, convenience stores. I remember Betty playing a huge role in all their business ventures, from helping to run the auto parts store, to working side by side with Dad on building projects. As I reflect on the over 50 years that I have known Betty and watched her with my Dad, it is an incredible model of true partnership. Of true love. Of companionship. Of dedication. Of inspiration. And I have been incredibly inspired by watching my Dad return that same dedication, love, and care over these past six years. Dad, you are my hero. Thanks to all of you who have come along side Dad and Betty during these past few amazingly difficult years. And to Corena, who has become like a daughter to Dad and Betty. Corena, your dedication to Betty is incredible and inspirational. Our family will be eternally grateful to you. Thank you each for being here. You took time out of your day to be here to honor Betty; more importantly, you each took time to invest in Betty over the years and we are very thankful for that. You were a blessing in her life, and you would not be here if she had not been a blessing in yours. Revelation 21:3-4 says: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Betty, I am so happy you are with Jesus and you are free from the disease that took your mind and body. We miss you, but we know we will see you again in Heaven. Until then, we love you. www.harrison-pyles.com.