Betty Jo Tilley

TILLEY, Betty Jo, age 86, of Kettering, OH, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Betty Jo was born on July 4, 1937 in Menifee County, KY to the late Mason and Carma Mendenhall. At a young age her family moved to the Dayton area where she grew up, and graduated from Stivers High School, class of 1956. Shortly after her graduation Betty Jo went to work for NCR locally in Dayton. She was a devoted Mother and Grandmother to her family. Betty Jo loved to travel and was very fond of taking road trips with her family, especially in her 1957 Pontiac Bonneville convertible. In her free time she enjoyed bowling with her family and friends, and could often be found working on one of her numerous sewing or crocheting projects. She was an avid lifelong reader. Betty Jo was also a longtime member of Grace Baptist church in Kettering. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Betty Jo is preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Jean Simason and Patty Gibson. 

She is survived by her daughters Sandra (Don) Tilley-Miltner and Connie Rike; grandchildren, Samantha Hickman and Brandon Rike; great-grandchildren, Lukas, Sydney, and Cooper Hickman; sisters Anita (Scott) Strong and Gail (Lucho) Yui; brother, Leslie (Carol) Simason; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Laurelwood Assisted Living, as well as Daycity Hospice, for the excellent care they provided Betty Jo. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In honor of Betty Jo’s love of animals  donations can be made to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.