Betty Jean Tennant, 88, of Vicksburg, formerly of Greensburg, Pa., passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, in Vicksburg.

She was born April 14, 1921, in Fairmont, W.Va., a daughter of the late Camden H. and Betty Nichols Bartlett. 

Early in life, she was a secretary for Monongalia Power Co. in Fairmont. She married Don Tennant in 1950, and they moved to Kingwood W.Va., which is where they started their family. She was active in the First Baptist Church and various other social organizations. She was very involved with the annual Buckwheat Festival.

They moved to Greensburg in 1970. While living there, she was a member and former trustee of the First United Methodist Church and active in many church organizations. She was also a secretary at Seton Hill College. After retirement, she continued her work with the church and enjoyed traveling with Don, gardening and was an avid bridge player. She particularly enjoyed visiting her grandchildren in Mississippi. 

In 2006, Betty moved to Mississippi to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. While she moved several times, she remained very attached to her beloved “Almost Heaven” West Virginia. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald B. Tennant; her younger daughter, Lisa Tennant; and her sister, Lucille Meredith.

Surviving are her daughter, Donna Jean Shelton and husband Tommy of Vicksburg; sister-in-law, Patty Nanni of Texas; three grandchildren, Lindsay, Lori Beth and Caitlin; and several nieces and nephews.

Betty’s family will receive friends on Monday from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 15 E. Second St. in Greensburg, with funeral services to follow at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Duane Morford officiating.

Interment will follow at the St. Luke’s Cemetery in Mooresville, W.Va.

Contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of the First United Methodist Church, 15 E. Second St., Greensburg, PA 15601 in memory of Betty.

Kepple-Graft Funeral Home of Greensburg is entrusted with the arrangements.

For online condolences and information, please visit www.kepplegraft.com