Elizabeth (Betty) May Hartwood passed peacefully from this life at the DuPont Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN on the morning of January 12, 2018. Betty was born July 14, 1936 to the late Charles (Earl) Hartwood and Helen Artis Hartwood. A lifelong resident of Peru, IN,

Betty was educated at Grant and Ridgeview Grade Schools, Peru Junior High School and graduated from Peru High School, Class of 1954. Betty was a lifelong and faithful member of Wayman AME Church, attending until her health declined. Betty was known for her delectable culinary skills, especially the legendary lemon cakes, which she provided for many church, community and social events.

Throughout her life she worked in the culinary field as a cook for Dukes Memorial Hospital, Miami County Jail and Sheriff’s Office, Elmwood School and the Peru School Systems. In addition, Betty is loved by many in the community as she served as child care provider to many children over the years. Betty was a perennial Circus City Days enthusiast, enjoyed reading her Bible to stay close to the Lord and savior, chatting with friends, keeping up with the “soaps” and Turner Movie Classics.

Betty is survived by her faithful cousins, more like sons Roderick L. Kersey (Boston, MA), and Cecil Raymond Kersey, Jr. (Peru, IN), good friend George Jackson (Peru, IN), companion like a daughter Willean Bowen (Peru, IN), God Daughter Stephanie Graft (Washington, DC) and God Son Andre’ Killion (Chicago, IL).

She was proceeded in death by her parents Charles (Earl) Hartwood and Helen Artis Hartwood, and a God daughter, Bethany Olivia Pettiford

A celebration of life will be held at Wayman AME Church, 201 E. 3rd Street, Peru, IN on Monday, January 29, 2018. Family and friends hour from 11am-12 noon, with a Celebration of Life 12 noon to 1pm. Internment immediately following the Celebration of Life at the Mount Hope Cemetery, 411 N. Grant St., Peru, IN. After the internment family and friends are invited to return to Wayman AME Church for a repass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayman AME Church, 201 E. 3rd Street, Peru, IN.

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