Elizabeth "Betty" Kienle

Elizabeth (Betty) Kienle, 91, passed away on June 25, 2022 in Fernandina Beach, Florida. 

Betty’s legacy will be the countless people she impacted with her acts of loving kindness over the years.  She was always giving selflessly to so many.  Her four children consider themselves fortunate to be the biggest recipients of her love and generosity.  From her warm smiles to her well-placed words of encouragement, she was always supportive.  She gave all her children so much time and attention as they were growing up.  When they were older, she took on part time jobs so that she could be home to welcome them when they got off the school bus.  These jobs allowed her to earn some additional income which she graciously gave to each child to help with their college cost.  With her help, all four children were able to graduate college without any debt.

Betty was a dedicated wife to her husband of 64 years, Richard, doing the lion’s share of child rearing and home management in her younger years and then being his care giver as he aged, tending to both his physical and mental needs.

Betty’s sister hosted an annual Thanksgiving feast for their ever-expanding families for many, many years.  Each of the dozens of distinct families would be given a wrapped homemade gift, often personalized, from Betty.  Who does something so thoughtful?  Someone with a big heart!

Betty was the kind of valued friend that so many people wish for…and she had many friends!  She always provided what was needed, from a cheerful discussion to a listening ear or supportive shoulder.  And, she never forgot anyone’s birthday, always remembering the occasion with a perfect gift.  And then there were the unknown people in need who benefited from her giving spirit.  She knit baby blankets for local hospitals, knit baby hats for premature babies and made “knockers” for women suffering from breast cancer.

Betty was a woman of faith, always attending weekly mass--no matter what!  She prayed daily and you would count yourself blessed if you were on her prayer list.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Richard F. Kienle, in 2020.  She is survived by her four children:  Ann (Michael) Weiss, Karen Selkirk, Philip (Deborah) Kienle, Francine (Glen) Kienle, 4 grandchildren (Brian Weiss,

Lynn Girard, Cassandra Kienle and Gina Kienle) and 2 great-grandchildren (Mason and Aiden Weiss).

A private family mass and burial will be held in Columbus, OH at a future date.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church, Fernandina Beach, FL.