Oneonta – Betty Jean (Henninger) Nelson, passed away August 30, 2025 at Chestnut Park Nursing Home in Oneonta.

She was born February 17, 1943 in Schenevus at the Wilson Birthing Hospital to Evelyn Blanche (Rockefeller) and Jerome Alfred Henninger.

She graduated from Andrew S. Draper Central School in 1960.  Betty was voted best dressed in her class, and continued to dress well throughout life. Betty then worked as a bookkeeper for Wilber National Bank in Oneonta.

On September 24, 1966 Betty wed Robert Nelson at the Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Oneonta.

Betty continued her work as a bookkeeper after marriage working at WT Grants, Otsego Patrons Insurance in Schenevus, and Kerns Ford.

Bob and Betty enjoyed traveling and seeing historic sites.  When they lived in Florida, they owned a RV.  In 1995, when Bob retired, they moved to Chiefland, Florida.  In 2000, they moved to Crossville, Tennessee.  Bob and Betty returned to New York after 9-11 and moved to Goodyear Lake.  Finally, they settled in the Peaceful Flats Community in Oneonta.

Betty was a quiet person but was friends to everyone she met.  Her sparkling eyes and radiant smile captivated everyone she met.   She was very musical, having played the sax in her school band, and the piano at home.  Bob and Betty enjoyed going to concerts and saw many musical artists over the years.  Betty loved baseball, and always went to the Baseball Hall of Fame games.  Their favorite teams were the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox.

She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Myron Gage.

Betty is survived by husband, Bob Nelson; sisters, Bonnie Henninger and Kathleen (Dennis) Ackley, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

A graveside service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, September 4, at the Maryland Cemetery, with their nephew, The Rev. Jason Thompson, officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association; www.alz.org

Expressions of sympathy may be made to www.lhpfuneralhome.com