Betty Colley

September 13, 1952 ~ April 2, 2022 (age 69)

Betty Colley, one of 13 children born to Robert and A. Leona (Shaw) Ford, passed away on Saturday, April 2nd, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Betty dedicated her life to raising her children and helping raise almost all of her grandchildren. She was her family’s greatest supporter, protector, and advocate. Betty was a caretaker above all else, she housed, fed, and clothed many throughout her lifetime. She welcomed all and never said no to anyone in need.

Betty is survived by her husband, Allen Colley, after 50 years of marriage. Betty and Allen shared three children, and is survived by her son, Lamar Colley, and daughter, Gwen Colley. Betty is preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Ward. Betty is survived by eleven grandchildren, Cami, Julian, Tyler, Karis, Riley (Aaron), Rhyan, Evan, Autum, Aubrey, Charlie, and Baylee, and ten great grandchildren, Chloe, Carter, Jaxon, Cooper, Logan, Amara, Wyatt, Eliza, Hunter Joy, and Nova. Betty is also survived by five brothers, Joe (Sharon) Ford, Henry (Deb) Ford, Jimmy Ford, Billy (Alicia) Ford, and David (Mary) Ford. She was proceeded in death by both parents, brothers, Thomas (Joanne) Ford, Eddie (Sheila) Ford, Jackie (Roxanne) Ford, Bobby (Sharon) Ford, as well as sisters, Emma Jean Ford, Elsie Ford, Laverne (James) Stafford, Fay Jones, Priscilla Sloan, Debbie (Bobby) Deeds, and Irene Balentine. Betty is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

Betty was a strong believer in Christ and welcomed Jesus as her savior many years ago. She spent the last two years of her life as the primary caretaker and advocate for her daughter, Julie, whom she has now been reunited with in heaven.

Per Betty’s wishes, the family will be holding a memorial service at Southlawn Cemetery, 61430 Old US Highway 31 S, South Bend, IN 46614, on Thursday, April 7th, at 11:00am. Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Posted online on April 05, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune

04/07/2022 EJS