NORTH MANCHESTER – Betty J. Bumgardner, 88, North Manchester, died at 10:53 a.m. March 21, 2014, at her son’s residence in Kokomo. She was born Aug. 21, 1925, in Huntington County, to Arthur Royal and Clara Belle McNalley Elsasser. On Aug. 30, 1946, she married Bennie F. Bumgardner, who died Oct. 7, 1992. She worked at Bryon Manufacturing, North Manchester, for five years and for Peabody Seating Co., North Manchester, from 1965 until its closing. She then worked at several fast food restaurants in the area. She graduated from Huntington High School in 1943. She was a member of Red Hat Society and enjoyed quilting. Surviving are three sons: William R. (and spouse Judy K.) Bumgardner, Kokomo; Jack W. (and spouse Henrietta) Bumgardner, Sidney; James L. (and spouse Donna) Bumgardner, Angola; three sisters: Kathrine DeLaughter and Mildred Binder, both of Huntington; Maxine Ungerer, Cleveland, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a son, Bennie Bumgardner Jr., who died in 1972; a brother, Arthur Elsasser; and a sister, Anna Mae Lynn. She attended Congregational Christian Church, North Manchester. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at McKee Mortuary, 1401 Ind. 114W, North Manchester, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial is in Fairview Cemetery, Servia. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Manchester Early Learning Center, 806 W. South St., North Manchester, IN 46962; or Animal Shelter of Wabash County, 810 Manchester Ave., Wabash, IN 46992. Condolences may be sent via mckeemortuary.com
