Betty T. Greene

Betty T. Greene, of Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at University Place in West Lafayette, at 100 years and 225 days old, surrounded by family, music, and love.

She was born July 11, 1925, in Lafayette, IN, to the late Orla and Mildred (Gillespie) Timm.

Betty graduated from Delphi High School and moved to Lafayette, where she met Bud Greene while engaged to someone else. On August 29, 1946, she married Ralph B. Greene in Yeoman Methodist Church, and eventually settled in a house Bud built, up on “Shadeland Hill”.

Betty’s faith and her community were deeply important to her. As a lifelong and active member of Stidham United Methodist Church, she was a true servant leader. She stepped up wherever she was needed, serving as treasurer and participating on committees ranging from the UMW to VBS. What began as a simple thank-you note grew into beloved, highly anticipated contributions to the church newsletter for over 25 years. Betty also had a profound impact on local youth, dedicating years of her life as den mother and working in the office for the Boy Scouts of America. Alongside her active volunteer life, she built a long career at JCPenney, retiring in 1994.

Betty lived a vibrant and remarkably full life, marked by boundless energy and a creative spirit. A truly gifted seamstress, her talents knew no bounds—she sewed everything from three beautiful wedding dresses and elegant formals to custom swimsuits, and even upholstered furniture. Her hands were rarely still; if she wasn’t quilting or painting, she was in the kitchen baking thousands of cookies for the Kairos prison ministry, or spending untold hours making candy and ensuring anyone who crossed her threshold was well-fed. She traveled extensively — to Boy Scout Jamborees, on RV adventures with Bud, to South Padre Island with friends, to Alaska, and on a long-anticipated trip to Europe. Betty loved to learn new things: new recipes, history, the best wallpaper removal technique, and how to operate her VCR. Fiercely independent, she did just about everything she put her mind to, including but not limited to a motorcycle ride on her 80th birthday. But she will be remembered most for a generous laugh and hugs so tight they would take your breath away.

Grandma Betty never did anything half-heartedly. She was her family’s most devoted cheerleader, faithfully attending every sporting event, choir concert, pinewood derby, and scout ceremony for her local grandchildren, and proudly carrying that tradition on for her great-grandchildren. Her attention to detail was an expression of her love. At Christmas, every child had their own designated wrapping paper, and she poured hours into hand-crafting American Girl doll clothes that rivaled—and often surpassed—the quality of anything found in a catalog. Betty’s mind remained clear and focused through her final days, making her a delightful conversationalist and a fast favorite among many at University Place.

Surviving are her son Robert (Susan C) Greene of Battle Ground, IN, daughter-in-law Susan L of Lafayette, grandchildren: Chad Greene, Lorraine Heninger (Chad), Brian Greene (Michelle), Megan Mills (Everette), and Laura Greene, great-grandchildren: Elijah Greene, Mary Greene, Jonathan Mills, Emily Greene, and Seth Greene.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph B. Greene, son William R. Greene, and siblings Jane Vandevender and William Timm.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd.

Service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Stidham United Methodist Church, 5300 S 175 W, Lafayette, Rev. David Boyd officiating.  Interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stidham United Methodist Church in Betty’s memory.