Betty Jean Goetzinger

Betty Jean Goetzinger, 92, died peacefully in her sleep on July 30, 2024 in Dover, DE. Born in 1931 in Deer Creek Illinois to Clara (Raeuber) and Clarence Zobrist, Betty was the second of five siblings. After spending her younger years in Deer Creek and Goodfield IL as part of a tight knit extended family, Betty finished Eureka High School in Eureka IL, and was the first in her family to graduate. As a young adult she relocated to Florida and in 1959 married Robert (Bob) Benjamin Goetzinger Sr. Betty and Bob settled in DeBary, FL, built a house there and raised two children, Sheryl Joy and Robert (Bob) Benjamin Jr. Betty was a wonderful and beloved mother, and an expert homemaker, cook, seamstress and needleworker, as well as a host, chef and tour guide for the many relatives who loved to visit Central Florida. After Bob's death in 1979, Betty went back to school and became a Medical Receptionist. She worked for several doctors over the years, including Central Florida Urology Associates and Florida Foot and Ankle Group, serving many patients up until her retirement in her 80's. She also volunteered and worked for many years as a docent at the DeBary Hall historic site in DeBary, and gave tours of the site to hundreds of visitors. Throughout her time in Florida, Betty was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Sanford, FL, serving on numerous committees and groups there. She was a caring friend and was always finding ways to support friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who were in need of any kind of help. She was a tremendous cook and baker and well known for so many popular recipes including her cookies, pies, twice baked potatoes and so many other great meals. She was always a willing host and served so many with loving care (and hand washed so very many dishes!). Betty was also a talented amateur oil painter, who produced many paintings now treasured by family members and friends. She spent her retirement traveling, collecting and sharing antiques, enjoying her friends and family, and continuing her needlework, supplying many with her famous scrubbies. In 2022 Betty was no longer able to live on her own, and moved in with her son Bob and daughter in law Christina in Mount Laurel NJ and then Dover DE. They lovingly nursed her through the last few years of her life as she struggled with Alzheimer's disease. Betty (our beloved Gigi) is survived by daughter Sheryl (Patty Babel), son Bob (Christina Miller), grandchildren Bobby (Jessica Gunzelman), Jennifer (Justin Delmonte), Kate (Dillon Brown), and Claire, and great-grandchildren Samuel Quinn, Edie Rose and Violet Wren, and also by her younger brother Ralph Zobrist (Joyce Miller), and many much-beloved nieces and nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, brothers Howard and Wayne Zobrist, and sister Carolyn Zobrist Dean. Funeral Service to be held at the First United Methodist Church of Sanford at 1 pm on Saturday, August 10. Visitation will begin one hour earlier at the same location. Memorial donations suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, Hospice Foundation of America, or your local Hospice.

Betty Jean Goetzinger

November 26, 1931 - July 30, 2024