New Castle, PA - Betty J. Koonse, age 92, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away the morning of Feb. 23, 2026, at UPMC Jameson Hospital.

Born Oct. 12, 1933, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Ann May Seiler.

On March 28, 1952, she married her husband of 56 years, James R. Koonse, who preceded her in death Nov. 16, 2008.

Betty was a graduate of New Castle High School.

She worked as a school bus driver, employed by Neshannock Township School District, for several years until her retirement.

Betty took pride in her flower garden and was an exceptional seamstress and baker.

She was a member of First United Brethren Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Marjorie Snider of New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Patricia Sladek of Twinsburg, Ohio; two sons, William (Karen) Koonse of Ashland City, Tennessee, and Bruce (Sherri) Koonse of Hermitage, Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by one son, Richard Koonse; one brother, Robert Donley; and one grandson, Steven Snider.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

Burial will be alongside her husband at Graceland Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.