Obituary

Betty Jean MacKenzie, 98, of Avilla and formerly of Gardena, California, died Tuesday, February 9, 2021, of natural causes at Presence Sacred Heart Home in Avilla.

She was born September 14, 1922, in Fort Wayne to Ralph and Dorothy Mae (Robbins) Sponhauer. She was one of four daughters and grew up working on the family farm.

She moved to California in the late 1940's. In December 1950, she married Richard MacKenzie. He preceded her in death in June 1956. They had one daughter, Kathy Jean (MacKenzie) Verne. Her daughter also preceded her in death in January 2005.

Mrs. MacKenzie worked as an aerospace quality inspector at TRW in Hawthorne, California until her retirement in 1987. After retirement she enjoyed time with family, friends, traveling, sewing and quilting, painting, cooking, baking and being a grandmother.

She moved back to Indiana in 2002, after living in California over 50 years. She was a member of Rome City United Methodist Church and enjoyed many social gatherings and activities.

Surviving are two grandchildren, Karen Rudolph of Huntington Beach, California, and Kelly Verne of Bellflower, California; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Amanda; one sister, Teddie McCoy of Okeechobee, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She will be missed and remembered for her kindness, generosity and cheerful personality.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Saturday, April 17, 2021 in Avilla.

Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com

Share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com