Mrs Betty Jean Henninger's Obituary
Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Henninger was born May 15, 1919, at home in Colton, CA. The only child of Earl and Josephine Stuchberry, she had been a native to the area her entire life. She attended Colton schools and graduated Colton High School in 1937. She went on to attended Valley College and The University of Redlands, where she graduated with degrees in Music and Sociology.
Music was always the joy of her life. Her first job was as a social worker; then later, while raising her family, she began her lifetime career of 70 years as an organist for several churches and mortuaries. She also taught organ and piano.
While both of them were attending the University of Redlands, she met and later married Keith Henninger in 1943. They raised four children, JoAnn Miller, Allen Henninger, Jeannette Malcolm, and Elaine Stafford. She remained married until Keith’s passing in 1997. She has seven grandchildren, Juliet Stafford, Carl Friedel, Aimee Krol, Terrill Stafford, Adam Henninger, Austin Henninger, and Michelle Malcolm, along with eleven grandchildren, Josiah and Sarah Krol; Hannah, Joshua, Timothy and Caleb Friedel; August, Aubrey, Adeline, Amelia Henninger; and Amelie Henninger.
During her lifetime she was active in several organizations, including the American Guild of Organists, the WCTU, The Canto Bello Chorale, and other community musical organizations. As well as being an active member of many churches where she was the staff organist. She enjoyed music, her family, friends, and her pets, and sharing her strong Christian faith with others.
Betty passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2016, at the age of 97.
The graveside service will have limited seating. There will be a no-host lunch at Mimi’s Café on Hospitality Lane after services have concluded.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?
