Betty Jean Spence

Betty Jean Spence

(nee Hartmann) On October 17, 2023 of Deptford. Age 74. Beloved wife of Ralph Spence. Devoted mother of Julie Boylan (Rodney). Loving grandmother of Ryan and Aaron. Dear sister of Cody Mayfield, Jeanette Candia, Geraldine Douglass, Ethel Hartmann, Lisa Gilmore, Emmett Hartmann, Jr., and the late Patty Hartmann, Daniel Hartmann, Kenneth Hartmann, and David Hartmann. Loved by nieces and nephews.

Ralph and Betty met in the great state of Texas in 1964 while he was stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring.  Ralph and his roommate were cruising the town when they pulled up to the local skating rink and asked some girls if they wanted a ride.  That was just the beginning. They married in August of 1965 and moved back to Ralph’s home state of New Jersey in 1967.

They began their life together and welcomed their daughter, Julie, into their lives in November of 1969.  From their apartment in Woodbury to their current home in Deptford, they made many happy memories.  Long car trips back to Big Spring, TX were the highlight of many summer road trips.

Eventually, Julie married Rodney and after a few years Betty met her first grandchild, Ryan, in 1998.  Ryan became her world. She was happy to care for Ryan while Julie and Rodney worked. When Aaron came along in 2003, she welcomed a new grandson and enjoyed caring for him a few days a week while Julie worked part-time.  Grandma and Grandpa were ecstatic to have 2 grandbabies. They loved playing with them and always attended their sporting events.

Among the things Betty and Ralph loved doing was taking trips to Atlantic City for dinner and a night at the casino, playing Bingo with friends, spending time with Ralph’s family playing cards and many karaoke nights with family. Betty loved watching QVC. Her favorite thing to shop for was Christmas ornaments and jewelry. She loved Mexican food the most and they enjoyed going out to nearby Mexican restaurants.

We mourn the loss of Betty but are grateful for the time we had with her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty Jean’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Betty’s life will be honored and remembered privately by her family.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”