Betty Jean Fabian's Obituary
Betty Jean Karns Fabian, age 90, of Huntersville NC and Everett PA., passed peacefully in the home of Jeff and Sara Fabian, surrounded by family on January 20. Born on September 27, 1927, in Everett, PA, she was the daughter of the late Erastus Mearkle Karns and Annabelle Hall Karns and the widow of John Fabian.
Betty was the mother of ten children; Jean Carbaugh, John Fabian Jr. (Melanie), Jane Fabian, Joann Droz (Jim), Janice Bowers, Judy Fabian, Jerry Fabian (Maribel), Jeffrey Fabian (Sara), Joyce McFarland (John, III), Jay Fabian (Sherry), her Faithful Companion Blue; 20 Grandchildren; Joey May, Josh May, Caleb May, Kimberly Smith, Derek Mills, Whitney Appleby, Andrew Mills, Morgan Fabian, Taylor Bowers, John McFarland IV, Spencer Nichols, Caitlyn Collins, McKenzie Smith, Kyle Droz, Marcus McFarland, Brianne McFarland, Anthony Fabian, Belle Fabian, Brady Fabian, Jerelle Fabian, eight great-grandchildren and a brother, Arden Karns.
A native of Everett Pennsylvania, Betty graduated in the class of 1945, from Everett High School. It was during her time as a waitress at a local restaurant, that she met John, the great love of her life, she and "Johnny" were married in 1951. Shortly after their marriage, they started their wonderful family. Sadly in 1984, Johnny suddenly passed away, leaving Betty with her family to raise. Knowing her children would look to her for support and guidance, Betty always made sure that her children knew they came first. Her saying was, "The dirt will still be there." and "Children didn't ask to be born." Many afternoons you could drive by the house and see Betty pitching to her "own" little league team. As the children grew and after-school activities started, Betty was determined to make sure they were able to attend. Since she never acquired her drivers license, you could often see her walking to and from town with little ones in tow. Her children were her pride and joy. When long time friends and neighbors, John and Hon Hinish extended their family with a baby boy (Brad), Betty welcomed him as one of her own, soon he became part of the gang.
Betty loved sharing her knowledge of life with her children, as well as, the ability to cook. She was often found in the kitchen preparing meals, preserving food through canning from her garden and/or making her famous home made bread.
Betty spent her final years having a grand time vacationing in North Carolina.
In addition to her husband John, who died in 1984, she is preceded in death by her brothers; Paul Karns and wife, Helen; Burl Karns and wife, Gilda; John "Babe" Karns; Thomas "Nick" Karns and wife, Edith; a sister Ardene Bilinsky and granddaughter Whitney Appleby.
Her family would like to sincerely thank Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, St. Marks Respite, and her friends at the North Meck Senior Center.
Services will be held in Everett, PA.
In honor of Betty's memory, Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region at 1420 East Seventh St, Charlotte, NC 28204 or www.donatehospice.org; or Rockhill Cemetery at 872 Raystown Rd, Everett, PA 15537.
James Funeral Home is serving the family and condolences may be sent to them at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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