DUNKIRK – Betty L. (Miars) Jones Bantz, age 89, Dunkirk, died Thursday Aug. 16, 2012 at Golden Living Center, Muncie.  Born in Hartford City on June 16, 1923, she was the daughter of Ernest and Mary Jane Miars.  She graduated from Jefferson Twp. High School in 1941 and attended Taylor University to become a Certified Layleader.  Betty retired in 1988 from the United States Postal Service in Albany after 22 years of service.  She was a member of Dunkirk Calvary United Methodist Church and American Legion Auxiliary Post 227, Dunkirk.  At one time she belonged to the Albany Lions Club and Tri Kappa Sorority.  Betty was instrumental in the formation of the West Jay Community Center and taught children's education in the United Methodist Church district for several years.  She enjoyed sewing, cooking, crafts, and most especially her family.

Survivors include her husband, Don Bantz; a son: Johnnie Jones (wife: Tina), Hartford City; a daughter: Linda K. O'Bryant (husband: Sonny), Albany; a step-daughter: Hildreth Bantz, Salamonie; a brother: Jay Miars, Carlsbad, CA; a sister: Bernice Mitchell, Greenfield; 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and several nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Harold E. Jones, who died in 1994; her parents, and 2 brothers: Eugene and Edward Miars.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 20, 2012 at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, with burial following at Black Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to Calvary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 233, Dunkirk, IN 47336.

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