Betty Venis Obituary

Betty Jane Bonebrake Venis, age 93 of Crawfordsville, passed away at 1:58 PM Saturday, July 12, 2025 in IU Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, following a brief illness. She was born in Waynetown, October 21, 1931 daughter of the late Adam Wilson and Mary Lorene Shelton Bonebrake. She married James Lee Venis in Waynetown November 27, 1952 and he preceded her in death, September 21, 2001. Betty was a graduate of Waynetown High School. She had been employed over the years with R R Donnelley & Sons, JC Penny and Dillman's Hardware in Crawfordsville. She had been a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and had attended the former Elmdale Community Church. She remained active until just recently when her health began to fail. She was able to renew her driver's license this past October and drove until she was 93. Betty was a sweet, kind, loving soul. Her love as a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother was unconditional.. Betty was an avid euchre player and traveled as far as Covington to play on a weekly basis. She also enjoyed going to the casino. French Lick was her favorite one. She enjoyed doing Word Search puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy everyday. She also loved sitting in her recliner watching and listening to the birds, especially the wrens. Surviving are her children: Randy Venis of Crawfordsville (who faithfully provided loving care for Betty the past 9 years), Chuck (Nancy) Venis of Lizton, Brenda (Chris) Heck of Tampa, FL and Jim Venis of Crawfordsville. 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Emmanuel 'Manny' Cervantes and brother William 'Bill' Bonebrake. Visitation hours are Saturday, July 19, 2025 11:00 am – 1:00 PM, with funeral services beginning at 1:00 PM with Pastor Dave Wohlenhaus officiating at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate (9700 North State Road 55 Wingate, 47994). Graveside services and burial will follow in Waynetown Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are preferred to American Heart Assn or Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.