Genevieve Gunderman Betlyon, 85, of York, PA died Friday, October 22, 2004, at the Fairways at Brookline Village in State College.
She was born in Yeagertown, Mifflin County, on June 21, 1919, a daughter of the late William Wilson Wilt Gunderman and Margaret Bratton Gunderman.
On December 27, 1945 she married John N. Betlyon who preceded her in death in August of 1996. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends in December, 1995.
Born and raised in Yeagertown, she and her husband moved to York in 1946, where she lived until her recent move to State College.
Genevieve graduated from Yeagertown High School in 1937.
She was employed by Bell Telephone Company in the 1930's and 1940's and in the 1950's by Fitzkee Candy Company in York. For the past 35 years she was a teacher of piano and cello.
Mrs. Betlyon played cello in the Lewistown Symphony Orchestra and the York Symphony Orchestra. She is a past President of the Matinee Musical Club in York.
Her church activities were an important part of her life, having been a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Yeagertown, Christ EUB Church in York, and most recently Aldersgate United Methodist Church in York.
An avid doll collector, she had collected over 450 dolls from around the world. She also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada.
She is survived by a son The Rev. Dr. John W. Betlyon and his wife Alexandra O. of State College and Hummelstown, 9 grandchildren, Seth of Maynard, MA, Frances of Cambridge, MA and Jesse of San Diego, CA, Elizabeth of Pawtucket, RI, John of Baltimore, MD, David of New York, NY, Virginia of Charlottesville, VA, Mack and JanAlex both of State College; 1 brother R. Max Gunderman of Lewistown; 3 sisters, Roxie L. Gunderman of Yeagertown, Audrey Guerrini of Middleburg, and Bernice Potts of Blairsville; and many other family members.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son John N. Betlyon Jr.
Friends will be received at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 397 Tyler Run Road, York, PA from 9:30 to 11:00 a. m., Wednesday, October 27, 2004. The funeral service will be at the church at 11:00 a. m. with her son The Rev. Dr. John W. Betlyon and the Rev. Dale Hippensteel, pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church officiating.
A committal service and burial will be at 3:30 p. m. Wednesday, at the Birch Hill Cemetery in Burnham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 397 Tyler Run Road, York, PA 17403.
A guest book can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.