Betty J. Kerns, 78, of Hiawatha, died late Tuesday evening, October 28, 2014, at the home of her daughter near Holton.

Betty was born at Harrogate, Tennessee, January 13, 1936, one of two daughters born to the late Homer and Gipsie Lambert Massengill and graduated from Pine Village, Indiana high school with the class of 1955.  Betty worked at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha for 18½ years prior to serving as director of Brown County Senior Citizens Center.

Mrs. Kerns was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha; and the Hiawatha Progressive Club since 1965.  Betty was a past Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader; a member of Zenith Chapter #184, Order of Eastern Star of Hiawatha; and a hospice volunteer for NEK Home Health and Hospice.

Betty married David Kerns, August 16, 1959, at Otterbein, Indiana.  They made Hiawatha their home since 1972.  He died December 1, 2003.

Survivors include a daughter Susan Foster (Scott) of Holton; two sons:  Steve Kerns of Wathena, Brian Kerns (Janet) of Robinson; a sister Bonnie Vail (Roy) of Williamsport, Indiana; and 6 grandchildren:  Lindsey, Jordan, Madeline Foster, Chanera Kerns, Bo & Joe Kerns.

A Celebration of Betty’s life is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, November 2, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Reverend Dennis Paschke of Evangel Methodist Church of Holton, will officiate.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon until 7 Saturday.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

Memorial contributions are suggested to NEK Hospice or Holton Community Hospital Home Health and Hospice, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434. 

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com