Betty Jean Gaines

Betty Jean Gaines, age 88, went home to her Lord and Savior on January 11, 2024. Betty was born on December 6, 1935 in Bonny Blue, VA to Agnes and Claude Leslie. She was the second oldest of 12 children.

Betty married Henry Jarvis (Jarv) Gaines on December 25, 1955. Together they had six children. They lived in Royal Oak, Michigan for many years and after the passing of Jarv, Betty moved to Trenton, Ohio to be with her Mom and near many of her siblings and extended family.

Betty was an avid gardener. She loved to be outside planting, watering and weeding. Her favorite time of year was canning season. She had the gift of hospitality. Many days you could find family and friends around her kitchen table enjoying a cup of (very strong) coffee and enjoying great conversation. Her biscuits and gravy were a family favorite and her stories were endless.

Betty was a woman of deep faith. She relied on that faith to carry her through many tough seasons in her life and gave glory to God for all of her blessings. Her faith in Jesus truly was her firm foundation.

Betty is survived by her beloved family, children Peg (Paul) Steensma, Ken (Terri) Gaines, Steve (Lori) Gaines; grandchildren Tyler Steensma, Jordan Gaines, Hannah (Brandon) Myers, Jacob (Jessica) Gaines & Casey Gaines; great-grandchildren Cambrie, Michael, Wyatt & Rhett. Her dear siblings Frank (Janet) Leslie, Joan Osteen, Claude Jr. (Sandy) Leslie, Carol (Dave) Marlin, John (Debbie) Leslie, Jim (Kathy) Leslie; many nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Agnes and Claude; husband, Henry; children, Vickie, Doran Earl and Anthony; siblings, Doug, Richard, Dora, Dorothy and May.

A gathering will take place at Encounter Church 5346 Trenton Rd., Trenton OH 45067 on Friday,

January 19, 2024 from 11am-12pm with a memorial service at 12pm, Pastor Brandon Arp presiding. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place in Pennington Gap, VA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Veterans Social Command C/O Encounter Church 5346 Trenton Rd. Trenton, OH 45067 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.