Betty Jean Cookson, 94, died on Nov. 16, 2015, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. She was a lifelong resident of Bluffton where she raised her family and served the community. For the past several years, she lived at Maple Crest.

She was born on April 16, 1921, to Hiram and Edna Luginbuhl Neuenschwander (who predeceased her) in Richland Township, Allen County, Ohio. She married Richard R. Cookson on May 9, 1943, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 15, 2012. 

She is survived by two sons, R. Lee (Elise) Cookson of Houston, Texas,  Kenneth R. (Eloise) Cookson of Columbus, Ohio,  three  grandchildren, Brian C. (Barbara) Cookson of Kansas City, Missouri, Sara (Jim) Walters of Austin, Texas, and John R. Cookson of Washington, DC; and six great grandchildren;  Alexandria, Cameron and Andrew Cookson of Kansas City, Missouri and Emma Cardinale, Audrey Walters and Claire Walters of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her brother Allison Neuenschwander of Beaverdam, Ohio. 

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Bluffton. Betty Jean  was a 1938 graduate of Columbus Grove High School. She completed her nurses' training at Bluffton Hospital.  

She was the director of the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center for 11 years, a Cub Scout Den Mother, PTA President, charter member of the Telesis Club, a member of the Board of the Bluffton Community Betterment Foundation, a member of the Garden Study Club.  She was a volunteer at Bluffton Hospital. In 2004 She received the Citizen of the Year Award. 

Services will be held Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. 

Rev. Tim Wilmetti will officiate.  Burial will be in Hasson Cemetery, Jenera. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Bluffton Senior Citizens.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com