Obituary of Betty I. Kohlbacher

Betty I. Kohlbacher, of Lakewood, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at home with family at her side. She was born in Jamestown, to Raymond and Mariam Swetland Whitford, and youngest sister to Eleanor and Lucille. Betty was a proud graduate of Jamestown High School. She was a member of the Class of 1943 reunion committee and regularly attended class reunions. She was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Shortly after World War II was over, Betty bumped into a very handsome young Veteran on a sidewalk in Jamestown. She quickly "scooped him up because men were in short supply." Betty married Yale Kohlbacher on May 4, 1946, and lovingly endured 68 years of his jokes and penny pinching. After staying home to raise sons David and Mark, Betty was employed by the Southwestern School District for 36 years, retiring as the Secretary to the Superintendent. Betty was an active member of her community as a lifetime member of the Lakewood Women's Club since 1961 and the Monday Morning Bridge Club. She selflessly donated her time through volunteering at the former WCA Hospital, Lakewood Library, and the Fenton Historical Society. Betty had a great passion for cooking. Her bookshelves at home heavy with hundreds of cookbooks, each marked with likes, dislikes, and adjustments. She was very proud of being featured in the Jamestown Post Journal on two separate occasions displaying her love for cooking and sharing recipes so others may enjoy as well. She was fastidious to her last meal that every dinner should include a meat, bread, vegetable, salad (jello, cucumber, green salad, etc.), potato/rice and dessert. Betty enjoyed living in Lakewood, but her greatest dream was to have a house on Chautauqua Lake. This came to fruition in 1992 after an adventurous search with her granddaughter Kristi. Her favorite event was the 4th of July, where the family would watch the fireworks, light the flares at exactly 10pm (anything earlier was a sin), and sit by the fire. You could always find Betty in her favorite spot, sitting on the deck watching the world going by, so thankful for all she had. Her greatest joy in life was her family, often stating that "family is most important." She loved to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Christmas was not complete without finding the hidden green pickle in the Christmas tree, an orange in the bottom of your stocking, or watching "A Christmas Story." Betty was so grateful for the telephone, and could always be found in her cream chair with her cat, Tina, in her lap talking to friends and family near and far. Betty is survived by her two sons, David (Diane) Kohlbacher of Lakewood, and Mark Kohlbacher of Jamestown; four grandchildren: Kristi (Damian) Ternullo of Venetia, PA, Kyle Kohlbacher of Canonsburg, PA, Keith (Shauna) Kohlbacher of Jamestown, Kara (Ian) Loggans of Silver Creek; seven great-grandchildren: Cole, Gavin, and Leah Ternullo, all of Venetia, PA, Alexandria and Alyssa Cornell, both of Silver Creek, and Kaia and Annika Kohlbacher, both of Jamestown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Yale A. Kohlbacher, who passed away on Jan. 1, 2014, and two sisters, Eleanor Rynell and Lucille Allen. There will be no service or visitation observed. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for Terri Lynn Best, her staff, and Chautauqua Hospice. Over the last several years, you have provided care, compassion, dignity and friendship to Betty and her family. You are our heroes! Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750, Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701, or a charity of one's choice.