New Wilmington - Betty Jean (Love) Garrett, 97, of New Wilmington died April 12, 2025, after a short illness.

Born Sept. 18, 1927, to John and Emma Love, Betty graduated from New Castle High School.

After graduation in 1946, Betty worked at Mather's Jewelry Store in New Castle and at the bookstore at Westminster College in New Wilmington.

Betty married George Edward "Ed" Garrett, on June 9, 1950. The couple has two sons.

Betty loved her family, especially her grandchildren, who spent a great deal of time at her home. Her door was always open, the tea kettle was always on and food and friendly conversation were always to be found in Ed and Betty's home.

Betty made many delicious meals, including braised steak, chicken with homemade noodles, hamloaf and deviled eggs with homemade mayonnaise. Her desserts, especially cobblers made with fresh fruit, were also a favorite of many family members and friends.

Betty loved to swim and loved to teach swimming. She taught swimming lessons at the New Wilmington Borough pool for about 15 years.

A lifetime member of Shenango Presbyterian Church, she was a deacon and a church elder, sang in the choir, taught children's Sunday school and made flower arrangements for many years, as well as being involved in many other church activities.

Betty was a volunteer for many years at the Shenango Presbyterian Care Home, where she provided hair care to the residents. She resided there in the last months of her life.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; three brothers, Martin, Leroy and Arthur; three sisters, Ruthie, Dorothy and Grace; and one grandson, Cody Kuykendall.

She survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Richard (Beth) and Fred (Mary Criss); six grandchildren, Kristen (Matt) Doerschner, Mark (Allison) Garrett, Steven (Gabby) Garrett, Corry Garrett, Cayl (Sehee) Garrett and Cylind (Morgan) Garrett; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2025, until the time of the 4 p.m. funeral service at the New Wilmington Alliance Church, New Castle Street, New Wilmington, PA. J.R. McFarland will officiate. Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home of New Wilmington.