John C. Betz

John C. Betz, 99, a lifetime resident of Anthony Twp., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Rose View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Williamsport.

Born October 29, 1925 in Jerseytown he was the son of the late George O. and Stella Mae (Long) Betz.  On October 27, 1947 he married the former Susie Eleanor Gordner, and together they celebrated 72 years of marriage until her passing on June 18, 2020.

John was a US Navy Veteran serving honorably during WWII.  He served aboard the USS Wrangell during the 3 major battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Liberation of the Philippines.  During his heroic service he received three Bronze Stars and was there to witness the raising of the American Flag at Iwo Jima.  He was a member of the Turbotville VFW Post 8206, Millville American Legion Post 564, and the North Montour Sportsmen’s Association.

He was also a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Exchange.  John retired from Danville State Hospital after 14 years working as a grounds manager.  He farmed in Anthony Twp for 15 years and served as the Township Supervisor for 18 years.

John was an excellent baseball player and managed the Exchange Grays for several years in the North Branch League during the late 1940s and into the 1950s.  He loved hunting and fishing; and enjoyed playing cards.

He is survived by two sons: Harry Betz and his wife Cathy, of Muncy, and Melvin Betz and his wife Pat, of Turbotville; three daughters:  Rita Derr, of Bloomsburg, Mary Weikel and her husband Robin, of Bellefonte, and Bessie Zettlemoyer and her husband Roger, of Turbotville; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson: Carl Derr; a son-in-law: David Derr; five brothers: George W., William J., Francis P., James O., and Miles M. Betz; and one sister: Jean D. Brehm.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 11 AM to Noon on Monday, March 31st, at Christian Gospel Fellowship, 2938 PA-42, Millville, PA 17846, where a funeral service will be held at Noon with Pastor Tim Hartzell, officiating.  Burial with full military honors will follow in Exchange Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc PC, 207 Broadway Street, Turbotville.  To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visitwww.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John C. Betz, please visit our floral store.