Betty Jane Ostheimer, 95, of West Lafayette, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Westminster Village. She was born August 28, 1928, in Otterbein, IN, to the late Frank and Katherine (Burns) Kenzler. Betty graduated from St. Francis High School and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. Betty served as a surgical nurse in Toledo,Continue Reading
Karl Kenzler
left a message on April 23, 2024:
When I was ten years old, I learned to play poker in my Aunt Betty’s kitchen. Our families spent Christmases together and every year we’d end up around the kitchen table playing cards. Betty always kept a warm and welcoming home. There were always sandwiches and snacks and sodas and a comfortable couch with a warm afghan. But my fondest holiday memories involve “high-stakes” penny ante hands of Midnight Baseball, Follow the Queen and a particularly tricky game callled When Lightning Hits the Outhouse Wall. Of course, we used another word besides “outhouse” and even now I can hear Betty saying that word with a laugh and a not quite believable disapproving shake of her head. It was thrilling to sit at a table with grownups — GAMBLING for REAL MONEY — and listening to their stories and off-color jokes. It was a kind of family campfire where we could reconnect with each other and where we came from.
Our families have now scattered across the country — from the Pacific Northwest to the Southwest to the Midwest and the East Coast. But those Christmas holidays remain a powerful totem for me. Aunt Betty valued family and friends and connection above all else. Like a stone thrown into still water, her influence has a ripple effect that will continue long after her passing. With quiet determination and an unmatched sense of humor, she led a life of decency and kindness. In these fractious times, we could all use a bit more of that.
I love you, Aunt Betty. I know you’re up there with Dad and Mom and Gene and Bill and all the rest. The cards are dealt, the sandwiches are ham and cheese on white bread and the sodas are ice cold. Ante up!
Love, Karl
Kurt and Julie Kenzler, and family
left a message on April 22, 2024:
Aunt Betty’s passing is a profound loss to everyone who knew her. She was indeed a special and funny person, with a heart that knew only how to serve others. Her warmth, kindness, and humor touched the lives of many, and her absence will be keenly felt. May you find solace in the cherished memories you shared with her and in the knowledge that she made a positive impact on so many lives. I was blessed to be her nephew. During this difficult time, may you and your family find comfort in each other's presence and in the love and support of those around you. Our hearts go you to you (David & Lisa, and your families) from Arizona. Wish we could be there with you to reminisce the good ole days and share all those special memories we have in Lafayette.
Valerie Berry-Rose
left a message on April 19, 2024:
In memory of Betty Jane Ostheimer, Valerie Berry-Rose lit a candle
Courtney Nave
left a message on April 18, 2024:
I loved sharing the Zoo animals with Betty, who had the same joy and spirit as her daughter Lisa.
Martha A May
left a message on April 18, 2024:
The Mays have so many memories of dear Betty. From car rides home from St. B., to how pretty she looked in her formal gowns when we came to babysit, to the plate of cookies at Christmas time, there are just too many to list. But it is her kindness and big smile that I remember the most. May God grant her eternal and peaceful rest.
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Karl Kenzler
left a message on April 23, 2024:
When I was ten years old, I learned to play poker in my Aunt Betty’s kitchen. Our families spent Christmases together and every year we’d end up around the kitchen table playing cards. Betty always kept a warm and welcoming home. There were always sandwiches and snacks and sodas and a comfortable couch with a warm afghan. But my fondest holiday memories involve “high-stakes” penny ante hands of Midnight Baseball, Follow the Queen and a particularly tricky game callled When Lightning Hits the Outhouse Wall. Of course, we used another word besides “outhouse” and even now I can hear Betty saying that word with a laugh and a not quite believable disapproving shake of her head. It was thrilling to sit at a table with grownups — GAMBLING for REAL MONEY — and listening to their stories and off-color jokes. It was a kind of family campfire where we could reconnect with each other and where we came from.
Our families have now scattered across the country — from the Pacific Northwest to the Southwest to the Midwest and the East Coast. But those Christmas holidays remain a powerful totem for me. Aunt Betty valued family and friends and connection above all else. Like a stone thrown into still water, her influence has a ripple effect that will continue long after her passing. With quiet determination and an unmatched sense of humor, she led a life of decency and kindness. In these fractious times, we could all use a bit more of that.
I love you, Aunt Betty. I know you’re up there with Dad and Mom and Gene and Bill and all the rest. The cards are dealt, the sandwiches are ham and cheese on white bread and the sodas are ice cold. Ante up!
Love, Karl
Kurt and Julie Kenzler, and family
left a message on April 22, 2024:
Aunt Betty’s passing is a profound loss to everyone who knew her. She was indeed a special and funny person, with a heart that knew only how to serve others. Her warmth, kindness, and humor touched the lives of many, and her absence will be keenly felt. May you find solace in the cherished memories you shared with her and in the knowledge that she made a positive impact on so many lives. I was blessed to be her nephew. During this difficult time, may you and your family find comfort in each other's presence and in the love and support of those around you. Our hearts go you to you (David & Lisa, and your families) from Arizona. Wish we could be there with you to reminisce the good ole days and share all those special memories we have in Lafayette.
Valerie Berry-Rose
left a message on April 19, 2024:
In memory of Betty Jane Ostheimer, Valerie Berry-Rose lit a candle
Courtney Nave
left a message on April 18, 2024:
I loved sharing the Zoo animals with Betty, who had the same joy and spirit as her daughter Lisa.
Martha A May
left a message on April 18, 2024:
The Mays have so many memories of dear Betty. From car rides home from St. B., to how pretty she looked in her formal gowns when we came to babysit, to the plate of cookies at Christmas time, there are just too many to list. But it is her kindness and big smile that I remember the most. May God grant her eternal and peaceful rest.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.