Bettyjune Lewis

In her 96 years, Bettyjune Young Lewis showed the world how to persevere in difficult times and how to love life, family, community, and God in the best of times. She passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Born in Kelly Township, PA, Betty was the oldest child of Myron and Helen (Badger) Young. Raised during the Great Depression, and a teenager during World War II, Betty had a seemingly ingrained knowledge of economics and a natural understanding of rationing. No one could squeeze more toothpaste out of a tube than Betty, still her family never felt impoverished.

A tool & die maker by trade, Betty's father found work in Elmira and moved the family to Horseheads. Betty loved Eldridge Park and loved to dance. She told wonderful stories about the Big Bands that played at Eldridge Park in the 1940s. Immediately following her high school graduation, at the age of 17, Betty's fun was sidelined when she contracted polio. The polio caused her to be paralyzed from the neck down, doctors told her that she would never walk again. With determination and persistence, she not only learned to walk but reclaimed the dance floor with a fierce polka!

In April 1947, Betty married Ross Lewis Jr. They settled in Elmira Heights and raised three children. Betty and Ross were devoted to each other and their family, but also held a great commitment to their community. Ross and Betty became active in their church and village government. In 1972 after 25 years of marriage, Ross passed away. Once again with persistence and determination, Betty rebuilt a life for herself by working in the Elmira Heights School District as a Library Aide, volunteering for the Elmira Heights American Legion, Chemung County Election Bureau, St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary, Clemens Center Performing Arts Center, Corning Summer Theater and RSVP. Betty continued to volunteer every Friday evening for the American Legion until December 2022.

Betty is predeceased by her parents, Myron and Helen Young; husband Ross G. Lewis Jr; son Neil Francis Lewis; sister Delores Raymond and brothers, Kenneth, Jack, and Neil Young.

Betty is survived by son Michael "Mickey" (Patricia) Lewis of Oxford, NC; daughter Marleah (Edward) Denkenberger of Horseheads; grandchildren, Kim Wagner; Kristen (Todd) Flannery, Michael (Melissa) Lewis; Katherine (Greg) Nichols; Matthew (Stephanie) Lewis; Neil (Nicole) Lewis; Amanda (Parker) Ward, and Ross Denkenberger; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira, on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Committal prayers and interment will be held at Woodlawn National Cemetery. Betty loved flowers and the family is happy to accept flowers in her memory however, those wishing may honor Bettyjune with a donation to Tunnels to Towers, t2t.org, or Elmira Heights American Legion Post 154, 236 Scottwood Avenue, Elmira Heights, NY 14903. The Lewis/Denkenberger family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Bethany Village Manor for the wonderful care provided to Bettyjune over the last three months.