Betty J. Gilkey

Betty Gilkey was born September 1, 1935 in Elkhart, Indiana to Robert “Quinn” and Grace (Cook) Sloat. She was one of 6 daughters including June Bowers, Ruth Wagoner, Marilyn Miller, Evelyn Miller and Sharon Hayes. Betty attended Elkhart High School and graduated in 1953. She spent 43 years working for the Elkhart School System where she was honored as Educator of the Year and received a Key to the City of Elkhart for her dedicated service. She was the 1st secretary at Pierre Moran Middle School from its opening and remained there until her retirement in 1995. Students will remember her no-nonsense manner, quick wit and generous heart.

Betty loved spending time with her family and friends, dividing her time between Indiana and Florida. She married and later divorced Dale Reed with whom she shared two daughters, Tonja (Jim) D’Haenens and Ty (Doug) Wyant. She is survived by six granddaughters including Tara D’Haenens, Ashley (Brian) Failing, Brittany D’Haenens, Baily Wyant, Kale Wyant and Branna Wyant. She is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren.

In 1968 she married John Roberts who preceded her in death in 1987. She married Joseph Gilkey in December 1994 who passed away in July 2014. She had two step-daughters, Kimberly (Gary) Stanley and Christine (Carl) Kurtz and two step-sons Michael (Kathy) Gilkey and Steve Gilkey. She is survived by 5 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd, Elkhart from 3:00 to 5:00 on Tuesday, April 12th with a memorial service immediately following.

Memorials may be given to Pierre Moran Middle School or Center for Hospice Care.
Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.