Betty K. Pillion, 80

 

 Betty K. Pillion, age 80, of Delaware, passed away at home, Saturday, August 16, 2014. She was born on October 15, 1933 in Warrenton, Virginia, to the late Robert and Lucille (White) Kerns.

 In 1953 she graduated from Marshall High School, where she played basketball, was a member of Student Council, Yearbook Club and the Homecoming Court. Following graduation, Betty played on the town women’s basketball team for eight years and was known for her competitive spirit.

 Following her parents’ divorce, Betty went to work in Washington, D.C. to support her mother at the expense of following her career dreams. After a persistent courtship, she married H. “Gene” Pillion on February 5, 1956. Together they cared for each other’s needs and were blessed with 58 wonderful years of marriage. In 1966 Gene’s career brought him to Ohio and Emerald Farms. The ever dedicated wife, Betty reluctantly followed with the caveat that she would give it six months and then return to Virginia with their daughter, Karen, if she did not like Ohio. Fortunately, she fell in love with Delaware and it became her home for the next 48 years.

 While always the consummate wife, mother and homemaker, she began working outside the home later in life by helping Gene maintain the grounds of Emerald Farms until her retirement in 1998. Betty was well known for her wonderful housekeeping skills as everyone joked you could eat off her floors. She was a supportive wife and mother as she traveled around the country to follow Gene while he was showing horses and Karen as she played sports in high school and college.

 A woman of faith, she was a member of West Berlin Presbyterian Church and their Women’s Society and John Rae Class. Betty was also a member of the Delaware Riding Club for 48 years and served as ring clerk for their annual horse show for over 20 years. Betty enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels, with Gene, for several years. She enjoyed a passion for dancing, especially the Jitter Bug and was a member of the Olentangy Dance Club for many years. She also enjoyed collecting owls, humming birds and was an avid reader of fiction and biographies. Rita Mae Brown was one of her favorite authors, whom she met in 2009. Rita Mae’s stories allowed Betty to read about the Virginia fox hunting community that she knew so well. “Miss Betty” to many, she was a true southern lady. Tailored and classic in every way, she took great pride in her appearance and was a cloths and shoe connoisseur. Strict and confident, she was not one to mince words and at times could be feisty. She enjoyed a good sense of humor. Always gracious and inviting, she also possessed a bit of orneriness. Betty was a loving and supportive wife and mother, who was most proud of her daughter and her accomplishments.

 Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Gene; daughter, Karen Pillion (Joni Paxton) of Sunbury; granddaughter, Brittany Paxton; great-granddaughter, Aurora Krum; sister, Dorothy Kannard of Richmond, Virginia; dear friend who has been like a son, Charlie Kerwood; and many other dear friends including faithful neighbors, Jerri and Ellen Willet.

 She was also preceded in death by her brother Robert Kerns Jr. Memorial contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels of Delaware County, West Berlin Presbyterian Church or OhioHealth Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.