Betty Jane Tuvell, age 84, of Ligonier, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Survivors include her daughters, Debbie (Rich) Tuvell-Thies of Zionsville, Indiana and Lisa Tuvell-Hauguel of Ligonier; a grandson, Jared Rex Thies (Hannah Crail) of Louisville, Kentucky; a sister-in-law, Patricia Rex of Fort Wayne; and nephews, Troy Rex and Todd Rex and their families of Leo, Indiana; also beloved in-laws, Brenda and Edd Gaerte, Dennis Tuvell and Dolph Tuvell; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Betty was born to Roy and Treva (Marshall) Rex on the family farm on July 8, 1940 after her mother "took sick" while cleaning wild raspberries. Betty was born that evening. Her older sister thought she arrived in the doctor's black bag.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Tuvell; an infant son, Johnny Wesley Tuvell in 1958; her parents; a sister, Mary Lou Rex Poyser; a brother, James LeRoy Rex; son-in-law, Mark A. Hauguel; very special aunt, Orpha Deter of Goshen; and dear grandmother, Corabelle Marshall.

Betty lived in Ligonier her entire lifetime.

She graduated from Ligonier High School in 1958.

Betty worked for Irene's Donut Shop in Ligonier, followed by a job in the Central Supply Unit at Goshen General Hospital. She became a Pharmacy Tech at Strawberry Village Nursing Home, transitioning from there to Hook's/CVS, Ligonier and retiring after 15 years of service.

She also was a full-time caregiver for her mother Treva in the family home for 40 years.

Betty had a tender heart for animals often bringing home strays. Dozens of homeless dogs and cats were rescued by her and lived posh lives. Some of her favorite dogs were Snoopy, Cookie, Buster, Zippy, Gracie and Lulu.

Betty enjoyed spending time outside making her yard look nice and planting flowers.

She was industrious and a very hard worker.

She liked cooking and baking and was especially talented at making a darn good tootin' pie from scratch that surely deserved a blue ribbon.

Betty was a voracious reader all of her life, often enjoying romance novels, true crime and westerns. She passed her love of reading on to her daughters. Betty also was a devoted fan of the television show "Dr. Pol". Her family will forever miss her feisty nature, sense of humor and her caring heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Betty at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Sarah Tuttle will officiate.

Graveside services and burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier.

Family and friends will be received from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, at Yeager Funeral Home. There will also be an hour of visitation prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue, 1079 Turkey Pit Rd., New Oxford, PA 17350.

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.