Betty Ann (Faulkner) Conway

Betty Ann (Faulkner) Conway passed from this world and onto her next journey on January 31, 2023, in Punta Gorda, FL. Betty was born on February 15th, 1934 in Hamilton, Ohio. She was just 2 weeks shy of her 89th birthday. She was the only child of her loving parents, the late Harry and Edna (Smith) Faulkner. Betty spent her childhood on the family farm in SE Richland Township (Rush County, IN). She attended Clarksburg and Richland schools. During WWII, she corresponded with her penpal Margaret in England, and sent her gently used clothing and shoes she had out grown. During high school, Betty and her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for her Mother's health. There she attended Albuquerque High School. After two years, the Faulkners moved back to Rushville IN. As a student at Rushville High School, Betty met the love of her life - William “Bill” Conway. During this time, Betty was a “Candy Striper” at Rushville Hospital. High school sweethearts, Bill (class of 51) and Betty (class of 52) were married in June,1952, at New Salem Methodist Church. Bill and Betty’s first home was in Escondido, CA where Bill was stationed with the Marines at Camp Pendleton. Following Bill’s service in Korea, the couple returned to the family farm. During her adult years in Rush County, Betty was employed as a secretary at International Furniture, Sears Roebuck, New Salem School, and Production Credit. In Rush County, Betty was a member of New Salem Methodist Church, lifetime member of Andersonville O.E.S. (former Grand Matron), and the Rush County Historical Society. Betty also volunteered as a 4-H Club leader and adult leader for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. She looked forward to meeting with former high school girlfriends for their Euchre Club each month. In 1971, Betty and Bill moved to Punta Gorda, FL to begin a new chapter in their life. Their business ventures included Gator Apartments, Burnt Store Travel, Caloosa Travel, and Pine Island Travel. During their 40 years in the travel industry, Betty and Bill traveled the world over, and were well known for their cruise groups to the Caribbean and Alaska. Betty studied and earned the distinction of CTC, Certified Travel Consultant. Also in Florida, Betty was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, PATA Pacific Asian Travel Association, Old Punta Gorda Historical Society, and Punta Gorda Business and Professional Women (BPW). Bill and Betty were instrumental in the building of an authentic Florida Cracker house at the Florida Fly Wheelers site where they would lead tours in period dress. They also looked forward each Summer to spending time at the family farms in Rush County. In her later years, Betty enjoyed being a “Cat Mom”, and will be missed by her good kitty, Smokey Joe. Betty is survived by her Daughter Margaret “Maggie” and husband Richard “Rich” McQuinley of Rush County, IN, and Daughter Marcia Reager of Punta Gorda, FL. Also surviving are Grandchildren Nydia Stafford (FL), Kari (Brad) Ruth (IL), Ian (Monica) Apple (TX), Alicia (Ben) Cirrincione (IL),) Lauren Apple(FL), Jacinda (Jeff) Jozefiak (FL), Joshua Reager (FL), Cain McQuinley (IN),and Caleb McQuinley (IN). Betty was also blessed with 15 Great-Grandchildren, all whom called her “Grammie”. Preceding her in death are her Parents: Harry and Edna (Smith) Faulkner, Parents-in-Law: Bob and Francis (Woodmansee) Conway, and Son-in-Law: Steve Reager. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kays-Ponger Funeral Home in Punta Gorda, and Moster Mortuary in Rushville. Visitation will be held at New Salem Methodist Church, in New Salem Indiana at 11:00 AM on Sat., March 4th, followed by a Celebration of Life and O.E.S. services at 1:00 PM. Internment will be in East Hill Cemetery, Rushville, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to Rush County Historical Society, New Salem United Methodist Church, or Rushville Animal Shelter.

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Betty Ann (Faulkner) Conway

February 15, 1934 - January 31, 2023