Lillian R. Betz

August 2, 1943 - September 3, 2026

Lillian Rita Betz (Justavick) passed away September 3rd, 2026 surrounded by family in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Lillian was born and raised in Berea, Ohio.  She was the oldest daughter of Frank and Estelle Justavick and grew up with three brothers and a sister.  She graduated from Berea High School and continued her studies at Bowling Green State University and Indiana University.  She spent a long career teaching Reading, English, and Social Studies in Edgerton, Ohio. 

During college she met her husband, John Betz, who preceded her in death in 2020.  They spent 56 years happily married and living primarily in Paulding, Ohio where they were members of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish and had many friends.

She is survived by her two daughters, Michelle (Scott) Nist of Auburn, Indiana, and Jennifer Betz (Matthew Insley) of South Bend, Indiana; one son, John (Jennifer) Betz, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, 6 grandchildren, Sasha (Raye), Max, Grayce, Katy, Cameron, and Jack and one very precious Great-grandson, Cyprian. Two sisters-in-law, Nancy and Mary, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren from both Justavick and Straley families will miss her as well. Thousands of former students from around the area will remember her patience and kindness forever.

Lillian faced many health struggles in her last few years and moved to the Fort Wayne area in 2023.  The family is grateful so many friends, especially Pam, Mike, and Mary, would come to visit her often. Her sense of humor remained intact.  She even told the hospice nurse her favorite child was ‘the 4th one’.  Lillian never gave up loving her faith and her family, playing cards, and dreaming of travel. She especially cherished having a great-grandson nearby.  Nothing made her happier than having him hand her toys or watching him play outside. She was also looking forward to his little sibling arriving in late November.

The family would like to thank Kingston on Dupont in Fort Wayne.  Their amazing staff made Lillian’s last year one of joy and dignity and they welcomed and supported the family in every way possible.  Lillian touched many people there, staff and residents alike.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish in Paulding, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 11th at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Live Oak Cemetery.   

Visitation will be held at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, Ohio, on Thursday, Sept. 10th from 4 to 8 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. 

https://www.denherderfh.com/obituary/lillian-betz