Betty L. Rodenbach

Betty L. Rodenbach, 92 years old, passed away at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the Center for Hospice.  Betty was born on July 28, 1930 in Fayetteville, TN to the late Alton and Jesse (Cowley) Woosley.  She has lived her adult life in South Bend.  On November 9, 1957, Betty and Charles B. Rodenbach (Bush) were united in marriage.  Charles preceded her in death in 1976.

Betty is survived by her son, Daniel C. Rodenbach, of Indianapolis, IN and her sister, Virginia Bentley of Fayetteville, TN.  Betty was preceded in death by her son, Robert B. Rodenbach; sister, Evelyn Malbone; and two brothers, Robert and Jack Woosley.

Betty came from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee and never had much money but was rich with her faith and the relationships in her life. She lived in the same house on Woodmont Drive in South Bend for 62 years which was always home for the Rodenbach family.   When her husband Bush passed away in 1976 with children aged 11 and 14, she showed incredible strength and determination to take over the household and keep the family in the same house and neighborhood and the children in the same schools. She loved her friends and would talk their ears off at any opportunity. She was a southern rebel with a feisty attitude and a southern belle with a unique kindness and generosity.  She loved to cook southern-style meals including fried-chicken and homemade apple pie.   

With her husband Bush gone the last 47 years of her life, she never remarried during that time. Bush was the one man in her life she could never replace and now they’re together again with her oldest son Robbie.  Betty had very strong faith and was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church including membership in the Grace Women’s Club.

A Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, IN.  Pastor James Clark will officiate.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.  Friends may visit with the family from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16th, at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend.  Friends may also visit with the family beginning at 12:00 noon on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Betty L. Rodenbach may be donated to Disabled American Veterans, 1205 Middleton Run Road, Elkhart, IN  46516, or online at 

https://www.ihelpveterans.org/

Online condolences may be offered to Betty’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.