January 12, 1937 – August 1, 2023
Betty Arlene Klinger, 86, Noblesville and Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away peacefully on August 1, 2023, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was a devoted wife, a caring mother, and an extraordinary grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, Philip Klinger; children, Michael (Elaine) Klinger, Susan (Kevin) Gentry, Lisa (Reggie) Deas and Cindy Klinger; grandchildren, Jessica (Nathan Fischer) Gentry, Zach (Kelsey) Gentry, Josh Gentry, Philip Klinger, Sam Klinger, Nick Deas, and Nathan Deas; sister-in-law, Ruth (Hal) Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Betty was born January 12, 1937, at her grandparents’ home in Memphis, Mo., and spent her childhood with her parents, Esther and Ray Mikel, in Missouri. Betty cherished extended breaks and summers with her grandparents, Ella and Andrew Phillips, on their family farm.
After high school, Betty pursued a degree in Home Economics at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., which is where she met the love of her life and husband of 65 years, Phil Klinger. They were married on June 7, 1958, in West Lafayette, Ind., and moved to Owensboro, Ky., where they started their family. There they welcomed Michael, Susan, and Lisa before moving to Columbus, Ind. The family then relocated to Indianapolis and soon after added Cindy to their family. In August 1972, the family moved into their forever home in South Harbor in Noblesville. Betty and Phil built their retirement dream home in Bonita Springs, Fla., in 1996, which she often referred to as paradise, and they have split their time between Bonita Springs and Noblesville for the last 27 years.
Betty was active in the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Alpha Chi Omega sorority, was a charter member and past President of the Noblesville Boys and Girls Club Auxiliary, a Girl Scout Neighborhood Chairman and involved in many other civic organizations over the years. She also was a faithful member of Noblesville First United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for over 10 years, and also attended First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. Every morning she woke up early for Bible study and reflection, which was very important to her. She loved traveling anywhere and everywhere and especially cruising with Phil and Cindy. She enjoyed everything IU and following the Colts and Chicago Cubs. She ensured family and friends were communicated with often, and we all loved her many collages. They kept us up to date on everyone’s activities.
Betty will forever be loved and cherished by her family and many friends.
Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with services at noon, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, Noblesville. Pastor Warren Otter will officiate. A private family burial will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 681405, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1405 (cancer.org/about-us/local/indiana.html); or Indiana University Health Hospice, c/o IU Health Foundation, P.O. Box 775589, Chicago, IL 60677-5589 (iuhealthfoundation.org/donate).
Condolences: randallroberts.com