Betty Risner Brown, age 86, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away on January 13, 2018. Betty was born in Rensselaer on August 1, 1931, the daughter of the late John and Alma (Patrick) Risner.

Betty was a graduate of Fair Oaks High School, the class of 1948. On March 20, 1949 she married Gerald Hayes who passed away in 1990. Betty was a member of Faith Christian Tabernacle. She enjoyed writing “Betty’s Blackboard” for the Rensselaer Republican for many years and also wrote articles for the Monon News & Review and the Salyersville Independent.

Betty leaves behind her two children, Dan (Luann) Hayes and Joan (Keith) Hamstra; two brothers, Larry (Bobbie) Risner and Phil Risner; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her second husband, John Brown; six brothers and sisters; daughter Carla Schoonveld; great-grandson Jordan Wallace; and very special friend Justin Holbrook.

Betty was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed writing poetry, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. She will always be remembered by loved ones with her book of poetry she recently had published entitled “Poems by Grandma Bet.”

A memorial service honoring Betty will take place on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Faith Christian Tabernacle, 4911 W. 1100 S, Rensselaer, IN 47978. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. (Central Time), and the service will begin at 12 p.m. Dr. James W. Blanchard officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Christian Tabernacle. Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer is handling the arrangements. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.