Betty J. Earnest, 101 years of age, passed away September 3, 2025 at Celebration Villa of Shippensburg. She was born to the late Effie and Benjamin Shives of Sylvan, PA on February 25, 1924 and attended school at the Little Cove Schoolhouse. Shippensburg was her last residence but she and her husband, Ray S. Earnest Jr. raised their family and lived their married life in Horse Valley, located in Perry County at an East Waterford, PA address until his death in 2007. Betty is survived by one sibling, Rachel Gray of Berkley Springs, WV. She is also survived by her children: In PA, Shirley Younker (Maurice) of Mercersburg; Sharon Reisher of East Waterford; Linda Reisher (Joseph) of Chambersburg; Ray Earnest (Brenda) of Mercersburg; Sandra Drolsbaugh of Honey Grove; Shawnee White of East Waterford; Ruth Henry (Ray) of East Waterford; Reba Arnold (Paul) of Shermansdale; and Sheila Moore (Craig) of Sparta, TN. Various family members referred to Betty as the "birth of a nation" making her survived by a large number of biological grandchildren and blended family members that she lovingly referred to as "bonus". Her total descendants at her death consists of: her 10 children; 25 grandchildren; 3 "bonus" grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 13 "bonus" great grandchildren; 16 great great grandchildren; and 11 bonus great great grandchildren. She is further survived by countless numbers of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and their extended families. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded In death by: her daughter Lucinda North of Chambersburg, PA; her granddaughter Leslie White of East Waterford; her "bonus" granddaughter Kelly Hickin of Akron, OH; her great great granddaughter A’myah Neumann of St. Augustine, FL; and Sons-In-Law Paul Drolsbaugh, Michael Reisher, and George White. Her siblings that preceded her in death are: a stillborn brother, Baby Boy Shives; Louie Stahl; Alice Smith; Ethel Williams; Agnes Ward; Jane Carty; Iva Seiders; Ruth Barnhart; Ben Shives; and Bob Shives. Betty spent her life as a homemaker, often providing childcare for grandchildren local to her residence. Raising a large family and assisting in the care of mountain land, gardens, orchards, and harvesting and preparation of wild game to provide for that family was more than a full-time job for Betty. She was part of the generation who experienced the use of horse and buggies, survived the Great Depression and a World War, and lived long enough to become proficient in modern technology before the end of their lives. During the early days of need and sacrifice she learned to be creative with whatever God gave her to work with at the time. Many of the talents she developed in life both helped her provide for the needs of her children as they grew and later in life developed into special unique talents that were popular with not only the family, but others. She was an expert in crocheting and sewing. Her doilies, tablecloths and afghans were always big money-makers at family auctions and gifts cherished by her generations of offspring. She also had a strong interest in reading books and solving puzzles of all kinds. One of her most impressive interests came with the electronic age as she developed a passion for electronic communications such as her e-mail, Facebook accounts, and Tik Tok account. This was where she worked on her last mission for the Lord as her "Grandma Betty" weekly videos were publicized globally and netted up to tens of thousands of viewers each week for some number of years. Betty has asked that memorial donations be made in her honor by planting a tree to help with the world’s reforestation needs. It is much appreciated if donations for the planting of trees is considered by any desiring to recognize her life through supporting the cause that she has been most passionate about. Betty was a member of the Air Hill Brethren in Christ Church in Chambersburg, PA, where her Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, September 8. The Family will accept visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 A.M. with a one hour service from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and a meal following. Interment is private, limited to immediate family, and to be scheduled for a later date.
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