Betty J Bainbridge

Betty J Bainbridge passed on July 5, 2022. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, John Bainbridge. She is survived by her immediate family: son Bradley Bainbridge, daughter Connie Harris, husband Scott Harris, their kids Will and partner Crystal, Jackson and partner Nicole and sister Hazel Albert. In addition her grand dogs Porter, Yoda, Ozlo, and Oakley .

Betty Jean (Riley) Bainbridge was born in Monticello, KY either on February 23 or 24th, 1934; for most of mom’s life she went by Betty June, born on February 24th. She realized upon getting her birth certificate before her marriage to John that her given name was Betty Jean and her date of birth was the 23rd. From that moment forward she insisted on celebrating her birthday on both days.

Betty lost her mother at an early age, was raised at and graduated from high school while living at the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Knightstown, IN. During her childhood at the home, she learned to play 8 instruments including the accordion and was awarded a scholarship to attend Ball State Teachers College where she earned her education degree, and in the process, met John. She completed her graduate work in Speech and Hearing Therapy from Butler University and Indiana University, Bloomington. Betty and John were both born into extreme poverty and are a testament to what quality public education and hard work can accomplish.

Betty worked in Wayne Township Schools for many years; a second career emerged after being a stay-at-home mom at Indiana Swimming as its Executive Director. Her many years of service helped build Indiana swimming and establish Indianapolis as a leader in amateur sports resulting in the construction of the Natatorium and Indianapolis being selected as the host of the 1984 Olympic Swimming Trials. Betty was the meet director and one of the primary organizers for the Swimming Olympic Trials held in Indianapolis for many games to follow. She was proud of this accomplishment and resulted in her winning several Barton Awards for Volunteer of the Year from Indiana Swimming and a lifetime membership award from USA swimming. This all from a woman who could not swim.

Betty was and remained to the very end a great friend, mother, and caretaker for those less fortunate and the boss of all things which is a testament to her human spirit. She had a fantastic sense of humor, a strong work ethic and cherished her family. Above all, Betty loved to have fun. She was thrilled when she fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning lake property and enjoyed playing tennis, golf, cards, and games, taking RV Trips and boat rides. Two of her favorite places were Heritage Lake and Tropicana Mobile Manor in Ft. Meyers. Most of her enjoyment this last year came from reading, her crosswords and her nightly toddy. Although she couldn’t always figure out how to use her iPhone or iPad, she was proud of the 30 out of 30 score on a recent memory test and would talk that up at every opportunity. In all seriousness, she will be missed by her friends and family, and hopefully, today, she is reunited with John looking over the good people; you know who you are.

There will be no formal public service. A party with friends and family to toast a life well lived is planned for August.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sparky’s Pantry to fight poverty in Speedway, IN; please make checks payable to Speedway Schools C/O Sparky’s Pantry 5357 West 25th St, Speedway, IN 46224. Sparky’s pantry directly supports families experiencing food insecurity in our backyard and is run by students at Speedway High School and a few dedicated teachers and volunteers. Please consider supporting local political candidates who wholeheartedly and unabashedly supports a strong public education which enabled both Betty and John to live the American dream.