Betty J (Grover) Vance

Betty J. Vance, 96, of Chillicothe, passed from this life on Tuesday July 8, 2025 in National Church Residences.  She was born in February 23, 1929 in Columbus, OH to the late Oscar and Ida Grover.  On June 1 ,1947 she married James L. Vance, and remained married for 53 years.   Because of Jim’s illness they had a small 50th Anniversary celebration.  She cared for Jim 4 years and he preceded her in death on October 28, 2000.

Surviving are her two sons, James L. Vance, Philippines, and Richard A. (Rachel) Vance, Erlanger, KY; grandchildren, Monica (Matt) Goodfellow, Sparta, MI, Nathaniel (Diane) Vance, Auburn, IN, Stephanie (Rockie) Kendall, Hebron, KY, and Elizabeth (Blaine) Roland, Walton, KY; great-grandchildren, Christian James Goodfellow, Noah Goodfellow, Jordan Vance, Natalie Vance, Addison Kendall, Audry Kendall, Meredith Kendall, Kimberly Kendall, Kylie Roland, and Cameron Roland, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Faith Goodfellow (infant), sisters, Glenna (Onan) Exline, Mary Lou Grover (infant), Ida Mae (Jim) Adamson, Barbara Grover, Esther (Bob) Rice, and Lorita (Ernie) Rader, and a brother, Oscar E. Grover, Jr., who was killed in a plane crash during the Korean War, a niece, Kathy Rice, and a great-nephew, Ryan Foster.

Betty was a 1946 graduate of Jackson High School.  She was a member of the First Wesleyan Church, where she was involved in several church activities, and worked as a cook for 20 years at the Londonderry School.  Betty had served as the President of the Liberty Township Fire and Rescue Auxiliary, and enjoyed volunteering at the Adena Hospital.  She devoted her life to her family and was a friend to all who knew her.  The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to her helpful friends, Nancy Wilbur and Tim Morehart.  In honor of Betty's love for red, the family encourages those in attendance to wear her favorite color.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday July 14, 2025 in the FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME, with Pastor Jon Welch, officiating.  Burial will follow in Londonderry Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service on Monday. An online memorial is available at www.fawcett-palmer.com.  The Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home are honored to serve the Vance Family.

FOR THOSE I LOVE

When I am gone, release me,

Let me go.

I have so many things to see & do

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.

Be happy that we had

So many years.

I gave you my Love

You can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the Love

You each have shown

But now it’s time I traveled on alone.