Betty J. Carpenter

Betty J. Carpenter, 81, of Kentland, died at home on Monday, March 4, 2013 with her family present.

She was born on May 30, 1931 in Putnam County, the youngest of nine children of Earl and Jo (Timmons) Sutherlin. She graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1949.

She then earned a B.S. degree from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1953, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. She later earned her M.S. degree in education from Purdue University.

She taught school at the elementary level in Indianapolis and later in Hammond for many years. In Hammond, she was an active member of P.E.O. and ZTA alumnae.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Carl, and by her three children, Howard and Bradford of Hammond and Sarah (Paul) Bayerle of San Jose, Calif.; two grandchildren, Anya and Peter Bayerle of San Jose; and by two sisters and a brother.

Prior to moving to Kentland from Hammond with her husband in 2007, she was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Hammond, where she served as a deacon and later as an elder and was a Sunday school teacher and was a community volunteer.

After moving to Kentland, she was active in the Covenant Federated Church as a deacon.

A memorial service for Betty took place at the Covenant Federated Church in Kentland with Rev. Wayne Meyer officiating.

Donations in Mrs. Carpenter's memory may be made to the Covenant Federated Church food pantry.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.