Betty Jean (Gerlach) Bahner, 76, of Wheelersburg, OH, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, November 5, 2022. She was born February 4, 1946, in Portsmouth, OH, daughter of the late Carl and the late Catherine (Strehle) Gerlach, and sister of the late Robert (Sue) Gerlach; the late Ben (Debbie) Gerlach; and Bill (the late Darlene) Gerlach.
Betty was a 1964 graduate of Wheelersburg High School. She was both a devoted wife and capable business partner to her husband, Roger David Bahner, to whom she was happily married for more than 50 years. She was a skilled lab technician at Southern Ohio Medical Center and later was co-owner, along with her husband Roger, of several Wheelersburg businesses.
She was instrumental in the success of Bahner Auto Parts, several car washes, and apartment complexes. In later years, Betty and Roger enjoyed spending many winters at their home in Cape Coral, FL. Betty was athletically gifted. Her children fondly recall playing football and baseball as a family in the backyard growing up as well as spending countless Sunday afternoons swimming in the family pool.
Throughout her life, she was an accomplished golfer, winning many tournaments and recording three holes-in-one. Betty had a deep heart for animals, saving and adopting many stray dogs. She volunteered at Sierra’s Haven Dog Rescue for nearly a decade. She loved being outdoors and enjoyed taking long walks through the woods of their beautiful property with their dogs.
Betty was also a member of the First Church of Christ, Wheelersburg. Betty is survived by her loving husband, Roger, and two sons, Craig (Kris) Bahner of Portage, MI; Todd (Christy) Bahner of Wheelersburg, OH. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Trevor (Adrienne) Bahner, Shay Bahner, Anna Bahner, Liam Charles, and Lucas Bahner, as well as by her great-grandson, Quinn Bahner. Special thanks go to Corena Collier, who cared for and loved her like a daughter would have, as well as to Hillview Wesley Village staff and National Church Residence Hospice. She will be greatly missed.
Services for Betty will be 10:00 am Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, with Sam Cooke officiating. The interment will be in Memorial Burial Park.
The family will receive family and friends at the funeral home 5:00-8:00 pm Friday, November 11, 2022, and one hour before the 10:00 am service on Saturday. Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.
