Betty Jane Dovenbarger

Betty Jane “BJ” Dovenbarger, 75, of Zanesville, passed away peacefully at 6:31 pm on June 11, 2019 at Genesis Hospital, surrounded by her family and friends who loved her dearly.

She was born on November 10, 1943.  She is the daughter of the late Lewis and Gladys (Pickerell) Smith.  Betty worked as a bus driver for Zanesville City Schools for many years.  She loved her job and all the kids.  After retirement she loved taking care of her fur babies, Wriny and Daisy, watching her hummingbirds, spending time with her husband and going on car rides with her son.

Betty is survived by her husband, Richard Dovenbarger, whom she married December 31, 1983; her three children, Barb Core, Kevin French, and David French; two step daughters, Lisa (Jack) Strong and Lora (Robin) Thomas; eight grandchildren, Candi (Jordan) Hurley, Adam Core, Kayla (Joey) Havens, Cody (Jamie) Friend, M. Alex Friend, Tiffany Thomas, Justin Thomas, Adrian Thomas and Christy (Brad) Loveall; ten great-grandchildren, Katelyn Haines, Michael Loveall, Felicity Grable, Isabella Friend, Emily Spohn, Karter Friend, Cali Havens, Truett Barkey and Jentzen Hurley and Ky-mani Philip (Friend); and many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Joseph William French; her three sister, Barbara McElfresh, Joann Tullius and Mary Lou White; her brother, Chuck Smith, and a granddaughter, Rachel Strong.

Please consider making memorial contributions in Betty’s name to the Northgate Church, 10516 Frazeysburg Rd, Dresden, OH 43821.

Visitations will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Friday, June 14, 2019 at the Northgate Church, 10516 Frazeysburg Rd, Dresden, OH 43821.  A caring cremation will follow and no graveside services will be observed.  The Farus Funeral Home of Duncan Falls is entrusted with caring for the Dovenbarger family.