Betty Jane “BJ” Powley, 93, of State College, died Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Wynwood House State College.
Born November 28, 1930, in Pennsylvania Furnace, she was the daughter of the late James H. and Madeline Harpster Poust. In 1948 she married John E. Powley, who preceded her in death in 1955.
She is survived by a granddaughter, Tammi J. Willard and her husband, Scott, of Sierra Vista, AZ; two great-grandchildren, Kayla and Adam. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Clark N. Johnson Jr of Sierra Vista, AZ. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her only daughter, Elaine Ruth Johnson on March 29, 2002.
BJ was a 1948 graduate of State College High School.
She retired in 1985 as a clerk at the Shields Building at Penn State University.
BJ was a member of the Upper Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the Baileyville Grange #1991, serving as Treasurer. She also served as Secretary and Treasure for the Ferguson Township Senior Citizens. She volunteered as an usher for the Eisenhower Auditorium and participated in State College Silver Sneakers. BJ was an avid gardener in which she won “Yard of the Month” while residing in Pine Grove Mills.
Betty was known for serving up a cup of hot black coffee and sharing stories about her younger days in State College.
Betty, Betts, BJ, Grandma, Great-Grandma will be missed by all her family and friends.
Visitation with the family and friends of Betty J. Powley will be on Friday evening, December 8, from 6-8 pm at Koch’s Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College.
Funeral services will be the next morning, December 9, at Upper Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church, 2620 Spruce Creek Road, Pennsylvania Furnace at 11 am with Mr. Scott Kretchman and the Reverand Carl Campbell officiating. Burial to follow in Graysville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.