Betty Lou Van Hart

Betty Lou was born in Binghamton on June 13, 1923. She was the daughter of Harold and Ethel Van Hart, Sr. Betty Lou was the fifth of the family’s eight children. A 1941 graduate of Binghamton’s North High, after graduation she worked in Endicott Johnson’s payroll office. She returned to school and graduated from Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City in 1949. Betty Lou had a passion to reach children for Christ and she taught children’s church and vacation bible school. Answering the call of the Lord to go to the mission fields, Betty Lou relocated to Puerto Rico to reach and teach children. She and her sisters, Milly and Doris worked in bible clubs and at the Puerto Rican Gospel Press. For several years, Betty Lou managed the Deborah Children’s Home. Here she oversaw the health and welfare of Puerto Rico’s orphans and abandoned children. Poor health brought her back to the states, and she worked at Evelyn’s Restaurant in Conklin for many years. She also faithfully cared for her parents until they went home to be with their Lord.  Family was important to her and she took special interest in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Betty Lou will always be remembered for her quick wit and her caring ways with those she came into contact. She tirelessly gave of herself to those who were in need. Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton with the Reverend Daniel Walton officiating. Interment will follow services in Floral Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the time of services. Memorial contributions in Betty Lou's name may be made to the Missionary Fund of the Little White Church, 1049 Conklin Rod, Conklin, NY 13748.