Elizabeth "Betty" Mae (Sonder) Barnwell

Elizabeth Mae “Betty” Barnwell, 95, of Watsontown, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Valley View Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Montoursville.

Born January 1, 1930 in Muncy, she was a daughter of the late Frederick and Josephine (Hess) Sonder. On September 10, 1950 she married the late William F. “Bill” Barnwell, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage until his passing in 2012.

Betty was a 1947 graduate of Milton High School. Earlier in life, she worked at Fox- Knapp Manufacturing Company, Milton, and later worked and retired from Warrior Run School District as a secretary.

She was an active member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Watsontown, as part of the Women’s Guild as well as, serving as church treasurer for many years.

Betty enjoyed crocheting, knitting, quilting, and being outside in her yard. She and Bill loved to travel, going overseas and camping with family at the beach. She will be remembered fondly as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Betty is survived by a son, William “Bill” Barnwell and his wife, Dolly, of Chagrin Falls, OH; a daughter, Candace “Candy” Byers and her husband, Harry, of Watsontown; four grandchildren, Tracie (Brent) Follmer, Shanna Byers, Brittany (Frankie) Aguila, and Mackenzie Barnwell; three great-grandchildren, Kendra Rough, Kynley Rough, and Gage Follmer; two step-grandchildren, Erin (Erik) Lange, and Scott (Kelly) Gloden; and three step-great-grandchildren, Eli and Emmy Lange, and Lou Thorn.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Sonder, and a sister, Emily Ditzler.

Family and friends are invited for a visitation from 11-12PM, Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc PC, 124 Main Street, Watsontown, where a memorial service will begin at 12:00 PM with Pastor Shawn McNett, officiating. Burial will follow in Watsontown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Betty’s memory be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/donate/ or her church, Trinity United Church of Christ, 602 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com

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