Betty Jean Bland

Betty Jean Bland, 76, of New Athens, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville surrounded by her children. She was born November 28, 1948, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, the youngest child of the late Lester M. and Elsie Carrothers Arnold.

Betty Jean was a 1966 graduate of Franklin High School in New Athens. She was a member of the New Athens Methodist Church. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars as well as the Harrison County Republican Party. She retired from the Harrison County Board of Elections. She had a tremendous faith in God which was shown through her humility, kindness and generosity. Most of all, Betty Jean was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She adored her children and grandchildren! Betty Jean was known for her bright smile, lived a simple, quiet life and loved her cats, especially her angel Ivy.

She was preceded in death in addition to her parents; by her husband, Kenneth H. Bland; and siblings, Marie Strange, Lawrence Arnold, Leonard Arnold, Evelyn Taylor, Donald Arnold and Doris Lynn. 

Betty Jean is survived by her children who loved her dearly, Lesley (Philip) Applegarth of Hopedale and Robert P. “P.I” (Becky) Applegarth of New Athens: 2 grandsons: Kurt Applegarth (Mandy) of Cadiz and R.J. (Samantha) Applegarth of Morgantown, West Virginia; great grandkids: Regan, Rori, Raven, Hannah and Logan; brother, Fred (Mary Jane) Love of Nashport, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friend; her cat loving friend and cook, Cheri Huffman whom Lesley and PI thank immensely for her care and time spent with their mom.

“To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where His glory I’ll forever share.” 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 5:00p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00p.m. at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home, Cadiz with Pastor Jon Little officiating. Burial will take place at Longview Cemetery in New Athens at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the New Athens Methodist Church c/o Mary Lou Hartley 74245 Fairpoint-New Athens Road, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950 and Franklin Museum c/o Pat Saffell P.O. Box 28, New Athens, Ohio 43981

The memorial guestbook may be signed at www.clark-kirkland-barr.com.