Betty Katherine (Bulen) Grainger

LIMA – Betty Katherine Grainger, 88, was born to eternal life on March 21, 2009 following a long illness. She was born April 13, 1920 in Empire,Ohio, daughter of Rev. Charles E. and Christine (Sellers) Bulen.

Surviving are her husband of 68 years, Donald W. and son, Rev. Dr. David L., of Machiasport, ME, and his children, Daniel, Mary, and Joseph; daughter, Nancy K. (Clarence) McCarty of Seguin, TX, and her children, Alisa, Benjamin, and Brian; and seven great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Dr. William A. Bulen.

Betty was an active leader in the local, area, and statewide church. She directed and taught in preschool learning centers at the Fairborn (OH) Presbyterian Church and Shawnee United Methodist Church where she also served as Church Administrator and Director of Christian Education. She held a certificate in Christian Education from Scarritt College. She was a consecrated Diaconal Minister in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church serving as Christian Education Consultant for the Lima and surrounding Districts. She was often a counselor with junior high youth at Camp Wesley and Dean of Senior High Institute at Lakeside.

She was an active member of the Lioness Club of Lima and founder and first board chairperson of the Lima Area Food Bank, now the West Ohio Food Bank serving eleven counties of West Central Ohio. In her leisure, she enjoyed music, painting, restoring antiques, designing her own clothes.
The family wishes to express its appreciation to her loving caregivers at the Cridersville Nursing Center. A memorial service will be held at Shawnee United Methodist Church on October 17 following a noon luncheon. The homily will be given by Rev. Robert Kimes. Her life was a gift and blessing to many. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the West Ohio Food Bank, PO Box 1566, Lima, Ohio 45802.