Betty Marie Higley, age 91 of Troy, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County, Troy. She was born April 1, 1935 in Toledo to the late Raymond C. and Doris Margaret (Wilson) Hance.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years Dennis Wesley Higley on November 16, 2010. She was also preceded by her brothers Robert and Marvin Hance.

Betty loved her family deeply. She is survived by her daughter Ann Marie Harju and son-in-law Aaron Harju of Troy; grandchildren Claire Margaret Harju and Nathan Christopher Harju; nieces Roberta Hance, Jennifer Baum, and Christa Plato; nephews Kevin Hance and Jody Hance; and many great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Betty was a 1953 graduate of Van Buren High School and attended University of Findlay. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Troy for over 50 years, where she served as Treasurer for 37 years. Betty was employed at Marathon Oil Company in Findlay for 20 years where she was involved with helping establish the oil industry library. She was given special recognition in the Hartzell Spence book The Portrait of Oil, which outlined the history of the Ohio Oil Company and the petroleum industry.

In her spare time, Betty enjoyed fishing, boating, and playing games. As a young adult, she was an avid bowler and even bowled a perfect game. She was an Ohio State Buckeye football fanatic and loved her UConn Women’s basketball. Betty loved all animals- especially elephants, cardinals, and her beloved dog Gracie.

Betty was known for her determination and her strength, which most likely stemmed from her battle with polio at an early age. Her willpower and resilience were abundant. She had a zest for life and lived hers to the fullest. Her curiosity and eagerness were apparent in everything she set her mind to. Betty also had an unwavering faith in Jesus and her greatest desire was to serve Him faithfully.

The family will lead a Celebration of Life service at 12:00PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy. Visitation will be from 10:00AM-12:00PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County.

Arrangements entrusted to Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fishercheneyfuneralhome.com.