Elizabeth "Betty Jane" Heptner

Heptner - Elizabeth "Betty Jane" (Rice), left this world on Friday, February 12, 2016 at the age of 88. She was born September 24, 1927. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Francis Heptner, Sr. A native of Johnstown, PA, she left behind a family legacy of six children and their spouses: Dr. Joyce A. Heptner, Frederick, MD, Mark Heptner, husband to Kimberly Yetter, Bedford, PA, Roxanne Heptner, wife of Art Pereira, Beverly Hills, CA, Barbara Heptner, wife of Joseph Meola, Johnstown, Raymond F. Heptner Jr., husband to Barbara McCleester, Johnstown, Betsy Heptner, wife of Michael Whorley, DeRidder, LA. She was a proud grandmother to the following grandchildren: Scott M. (Heptner) Ewasko, April M. Heptner-Mlinarchik Croyle, Lyndsey M. Whorley, Nicole R. Whorley, Raymond F. Heptner, III, Raleigh A. Heptner, Stacii Pereira, Kym Pereira, Michael Schellhammer, Melanie Seville, Winter Bish, Sara Brinize and Matthew Mentzer. She was also the great grandmother of Leighton John and Hayden Ann Croyle, Adalyn Marie and Camden Matthew Heptner, Lucy and Daisy Mae Schellhammer, Tyler, Sydney, Mackenzie and Aidan Seville, Blake Bish, Mason Mentzer. She relished their presence in her life. In recent years, she cherished spending time with her high school friends, Helen Lehman, Irene Glova and her twin sister Mary Lou Uncapher. She enjoyed reading and playing cards with her extended family and was not to be toyed with when she was concentrating on a game. In Vegas, her best friend was the slot machines. Betty Jane attended St. Joseph Catholic School and held various careers until she took on her most important role of mother. She was a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church in Daisytown. She was the youngest of a very large family and preceded in death by her parents Barbara J. Kohr Rice and Ralph L. Rice and her siblings: Irene Malzi, Olin Rice, June Nelson, Gerry Rice, Evelyn Green, Bobby Rice and Ralph Rice. She is survived by her twin sister Mary Lou Rice Uncapher as well as Mary Lou's children and grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her great grandchildren, twins Kari Ann and Emma Ann Croyle and her great grandson Nathan Hunter Croyle. At Betty Jane’s request there will be no public viewing. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at St. Gregory Catholic Church, Daisytown, Fr. Robert Ruston, Pastor. Private inurnment will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. The family suggests contributions be directed to St. Gregory Catholic Church Building Fund, 120 Boltz Street, Johnstown, PA 15902 in memory of Betty Jane. On line condolences and memories may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.