Betty M. Hess Kyler, 87 , formerly of Columbia City, died peacefully at her son's home in Fort Wayne at 1:47 a.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Born on February 26, 1934, in Fulton County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Everett and Irene (McCloughan) Shafer. Growing up in the Rochester area, she graduated from Rochester High School in 1951.

On June 8, 1952, she married George E. "Ed" Hess. Moving around the Midwest with her husband and his job, the couple moved to Roanoke in 1968. Ed died on March 6, 2004. On June 14, 2008, she married Harold F. Kyler, and they made their home in rural Columbia City. Harold died on June 26, 2013.

For 21 years, Betty worked for Lincoln Life, Fort Wayne, and completed her work career with Richard J. Bagan, Columbia City, with over ten years of service, retiring in 2004

In her senior years, she was an active member of the Red Hat Ladies, met weekly with the breakfast club at the local Big G's, and was a regular at the Whitley County Senior Center. In her younger years, she enjoyed chocolate candy making and camping in the area state parks with her family. She held a special place in her heart for the family's dachshund – Chevy.

She attended New Hope Wesleyan Church and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star #65.

She is survived by her son Stephen (Darlene) Hess of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and a brother Robert (Joyce) Shafter of Warsaw.

The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment is at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne.

Memorials in Betty's honor are to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, or the Humane Society of Whitley County.