Betty J Recchio

Betty J. (Bowers) Recchio, 97, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, April 28, 2021 at Greenleaf Health Campus. Betty was a lifelong resident of Elkhart, she was born on April 29, 1923 to the late William C. and Lulu Alberta (Peters) Bowers. Betty attended Elkhart High School and graduated from Bristol High School class of 1942. After graduating, she began working at Boris Smolers Dress Factory. They switched from making dresses to tents during the war effort. Betty heard the call of duty and enlisted in the U.S Navy (WAVES) from 1944 until her honorable discharge in 1945. She was stationed in the Bronx N.Y. and Grissom Air Force Base. After serving her country, Betty worked at CTS for 39 years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of the CTS Quarter Century Club and Goshen Moose Lodge.

Betty had no children of her own, but she was the “neighborhood mom” to many kids.  Her house was always open, and she was so caring and supportive to many children over the years. She loved to garden and grow flowers. She was an avid animal lover and had many fur babies (dogs and cats) over the years. Most of all, Betty loved her family, especially her father. And will be missed and loved by so many.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles Alverson and Fortunato “Frank” Recchio; two brothers Donald and George Bowers; and four sisters Glenora Menges, Frances Swan, Mary Lou Bowers and Catherine Toth. 

Surviving to cherish her memory are three loving nieces, Beverly “Joan” Shantz, Mary Lou Snell and Lynn Linton; two nephews Joe Toth and Bruce Bowers, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2021 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart. On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, a procession will form at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home for the 11:00 a.m. service in the Faith Mausoleum Chapel at Rice Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and DAV#19. Pastor Jeremy Sarber will conclude the service by saying a few words and having a final prayer and invocation.

Because of her love of animals, Betty’s family kindly request memorials to the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

To share a memory of Betty or send a condolence, kindly visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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