Betty Jane Blackmore

Betty Jane Blackmore ,98 of Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, formerly of New Cumberland died Saturday, January 2, 2021 .

She was born on June 28,1922 in Sarver, PA. to the late Charles H. Behning and Elizabeth (Jones) Behning, and grew up on the family farm just outside of Saxonburg, PA. Betty had a lifelong love of books and learning. She attended a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade, then unlike most classmates of the time, insisted on continuing on to high school graduating from Butler High School in 1939. She was determined to go to college so she took a year off to earn some money working as a telephone operator in Butler. Then, against her father's wishes, she enrolled at Grove City College. Eventually he agreed to pay her tuition and she graduated with a degree in accounting. This was a profession that women were not encouraged to study in that time. With a love of travel and sense of adventure, she and a friend decided to drive across the country to get jobs in California. After the war they returned to Butler Co. where she soon met and married her husband of 41 years, George H. Blackmore.

In 1967 the family moved to New Cumberland where Betty quickly became involved in her new community. She was an active member of Baughman United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer for 14 years. She was also a member and an active volunteer with the Friends of New Cumberland Library, New Cumberland Women's Club, New Cumberland Olde Town, New Cumberland Republican Women and also served as a Republican Committeewoman. She volunteered at Bethany Village where she was lovingly cared for during the last 2 years of her life.

Betty was a retired bookkeeper from Planks Suburban Press in Camp Hill, publisher of the West Shore Shopper. In retirement she continued her love of travel and learning with travel to many parts of the world, summer study retreats at Chautauqua, NY and Elder hostels around the country, and always the whole family gathering on the Outer Banks, NC. A talented seamstress, she leaves behind a legacy of homemade quilts, handknit sweaters, and needlework projects.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, George H. and son George Jr. and is survived by a son, Brian N. (Deidra) of Cary, NC, two daughters, Susan E. Kennihan (Bill) of Lemoyne and Beverly G. Skalkowski (Bob) of Middletown: six grandchildren: and 4 great grandchildren. She was a role model for the whole family who will miss her love, organization and good sense.

Interment services will be scheduled at a later date at Indian Gap National Cemetery, Hanover Twp. where she will be laid to rest with her husband. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Baughman United Methodist Church, 228 Bridge street, New Cumberland, PA. 17070.