Columbiana, OH -

Betty Jane Spears, 88, a long time resident of Columbiana passed away 2:15 p.m., Sunday, April 7, 2019 at her residence.

Betty was born August 8, 1930 in Christianburg, VA, a daughter of the late James H. and Mamie (Hurt) Richardson and had resided here since the age of 16 coming from West Virginia. She had been a waitress at area restaurants.

She loved fishing in Canada and playing Bingo.

Besides her parents, she was also preceded in death by her step-father, Frank Thomas, two brothers, Rod and Sonny Thomas and a sister, Joyce Sousa.

She is survived by her husband, Larry, whom she married in 1962; two sons, John (Joy) Bistarkey of Leetonia, and James (Teri) Bistarkey of Bracey, VA; four daughters, Kathern Robinson of New Springfield, Betsy Kirkwood of Boardman, Karen (Bill) Thompson of Greenford, and Lydonna (Floyd) Nohelty of Brandenburg, KY. She also leaves two brothers, Frank Thomas, Jr, and John Algood Thomas; and three sisters, Judy Best, Nancy Wire and Ella Rose Molnar; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

All services were private and handled by the Linsley-Royal Funeral Home of East Palestine.