Obituary of Betty L. VanValkenburg

Mrs. Betty L. VanValkenburg, 81, of Carlisle Road, Canajoharie, New York went home to be with the Lord Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville following a lengthy illness. Born on March 28, 1930 in Cherry Valley, NY, she was the daughter of Raymond Leneker and Irene Shults Leneker. She was a graduate of Cherry Valley High School, class of 1948. Mrs. VanValkenburg also studied at the Amsterdam City Hospital for Nursing. She was a lifelong area resident. Mrs. VanValkenburg was a mother and homemaker. She also worked in the Billing Department at the former LifeSavers in Canajoharie and was a proofreader and sales person for the Mohawk Valley Pennysaver for a number of years until her retirement. She was a member of the Canajoharie Reformed Church where she also taught Sunday School and was a member of the Women's Guild of the Church. Mrs. VanValkenburg rode with the Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Service, was a Girl Scout Leader and loved spending time with her grandchildren. On April 8, 1950 in Cherry Valley, NY, Betty married Robert W. VanValkenburg. Together they celebrated over 61 years of marriage. She was predeceased by her son, Paul F. VanValkenburg; 3 sisters and a brother. Mrs. VanValkenburg is survived by her husband, Robert W. VanValkenburg of Canajoharie, NY; daughter, Judy and her husband Charles Burgess of Canajoharie, NY; granddaughter, Jenna Burgess of Dalhart, TX; grandson, Joshua Burgess of Canajoharie, NY; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 10:00 am at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317 with Rev. Nancy Ryan officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 4-7 at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery. A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Canajoharie Reformed Church, 15-19 Front Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Miriam Barnes officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mrs. Betty L. VanValkenburg may be made to the Canajoharie Reformed Church, 15-19 Front Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.