Betty Jean McCreary

Betty Jean McCreary, age 82 of Elkhart, IN passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Riverside Village Nursing Home and Rehabilitation. Betty was born on June 10, 1944 in Corbin, Kentucky to George and Nolla Payne. Betty married James "Jim" McCreary on Memorial Day, May 25, 1963; they celebrated over 56 wonderful years together. Jim preceded her in death on April 14, 2020.

Betty is survived by her sons, Jaimie McCreary of Elkhart, IN and James McCreary of Elkhart; grandchildren Jason McCreary, Austin McCreary, Justin Duffey, Amanda Gardner, April Walden, Dusty Spurlock, Christian Goldsberry, Britney Goldsberry and Jaimie Goldsberry aka Wormey. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, late husband and her siblings, Bernice Dozier, Harol Payne, Shirley Hubbard and Carl Payne.

Betty loved spending time with her family, especially going on motorcycle rides with her late husband on his Goldwing. Most recently she loved to sing karaoke with her son, or looking for good deals while shopping. She was known for being a good cook. She will be sadly missed. Betty's family would like to give a special heartfelt "Thank you!" to Jill Conn and Rainee Seachrist for all their love, care and support they gave to Betty.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00pm at Olive West Cemetery in Elkhart, IN. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting Betty's family. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com