December 16, 2020
It is with great sadness, Mrs. Betty Lorene Kemper, age 92, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 13 days before her 93rd birthday at Monashee Mews Care Home in Lumby, British Columbia, Canada. Members of the family were grateful to be with her at the time of her death.
Betty was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. She spent her childhood and attended school in the small town of North Vernon, Indiana. She was musically talented and as a child she had formal training in piano and dance which became a large focus for the rest of her life.
In 1946 she married Lawrence Kemper of Scipio, Indiana and they began their life together of 50 years. They made their living by farming and she fully participated in the life, challenges, responsibilities - heartaches as well as rewards - of the farming business. In addition, Betty gave private piano lessons.
All through her life, Betty was a committed Christian and she followed a lifelong calling; giving her music talents to every church she attended by playing for services and directing music programs. Betty and Lawrence had 8 children while living in Indiana. In 1969 they moved from southern Indiana to Lumby, British Columbia and began an adventure in a new country.
They established another farming business and her music gifts were put to use at the Lumby Christian Church and the extended communities in the area. In 2015 Betty moved to the Coldstream Meadows Assisted Living facility and then in 2019 she became a resident of Monashee Mews Care Home.
Betty is survived by 5 of her children: Linda (Allan), Peggy, Mark, Winn (Terri) and Michael; 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and a half brother.
She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence, 3 children: Stephen, Beverly Gay and Crispin as well as great-granddaughter, Katherine.
In accordance with the current Covid-19 Pandemic regulations, Betty's graveside service was held on January 5, 2021 at the Lumby Cemetery and was officiated by David Hockley, pastor of the Coldstream Christian Church where she attended while living in Coldstream.
The funeral arrangements are in the care of Vernon Funeral Home - 3007 28th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 4Z7. A celebration of life for Betty is planned to be held at the Lumby Christian Church as soon Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.
The family would like to give a very special thanks to the staff of Monashee Mews Care Home for their care and compassion during her residence there and passing from this life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lumby Christian Church or any charity of your choice.