Betty Lou (Zellner) Funkhouser, 86, of Elgin, Illinois, passed peacefully at her home on Tuesday September 9, 2025.

Betty Lou was born on May 20 1939 in Lykens, Ohio to the late Fred E. and Helen Marie (Dey) Zellner.

Betty Lou graduated from Scipio-Republic High School – Republic, Ohio in 1957.

On May 29, 1960, she married Paul E. Funkhouser at the Republic E. U.B. Church. Paul passed away on April 8, 2002 with Lou Gehrig's Disease in Tiffin, Ohio.

Betty Lou is survived by a son, Mark (Karen) Funkhouser, daughter, Anita M. Funkhouser; and three grandchildren (known as the three J's – Joshua, Joy, and Jordan Emily all of Elgin, Illinois.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Gilbert Zellner and Clifford Zellner; and a sister, Helen (Zellner) Nims.

Betty Lou retired in July 1997 after 35 years of service in Education; 15 years as secretary for the Seneca County Board of Education, 5 years as a secretary at Mohawk High School, and 15 years as assistant to the treasurer for Mohawk Local School District, Sycamore Ohio. Betty Lou also sold tickets for many years at Mohawk's home football, basketball, and volleyball games. Betty Lou also worked part-time in customer service as an associate at Sears Department Store in Tiffin, Ohio from 1974 until 1991 when the store closed.

Betty Lou attended the Solid Rock Church of Elgin, Illinois. Betty Lou enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, collecting birds and birdhouses. Her greatest joy was when the 3 J's (her grandchildren) were with her. As a lifelong social butterfly with endless energy, she impacted the lives of all those lucky to know her.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424 with Pastor John Millar officiating.  Burial will follow in Seneca Memory Gardens.

Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the Service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lou Gehrig's Disease Foundation at www.als.org or the Macular Degeneration Foundation at www.macular.org.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.