Aunt Betty Jean tribute

I have posted this before but I feel that  it is our responsibility to keep alive the memory of those who have given all.

Today I am remembering my aunt, Betty J. Sharp, U.S.N. Betty Jean, as she was known, was a talented artist, writer, and teacher. After graduating from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea Ohio she taught science at Jackson Twp. H.S. in Darke county Ohio. When the U.S. became involved in WWII and her fiancee joined the navy she decided to enlist in the Navy also. Her hope was that if enough women enlisted it would lower the demand for men and more young fathers could stay home with their families. Betty Jean completed training as a machinist's mate and was assigned to the Naval Station at Pensacola, Fla.
One evening in the fall of 1944 Betty Jean and some of her friends decided to walk to a local store for some soft drinks. En-route they were struck by a car. Betty Jean, and I presume the others as well, were severely injured. I don't recall ever hearing the fate of the others but Betty Jean never regained conscientiousness and passed away in the hospital. The driver of the car left the scene and was never brought to justice.
And now, as Paul Harvey said, “ the rest of the story.”
When Betty Jean became engaged to the love of her life, “Sandy” Sanderson, she said she would never remove her engagement ring. In accordance with that wish, she was laid to rest wearing that ring.
Sandy was just as dedicated to her. He survived the war lived to a ripe old age. Sandy never married and when the end came for him he joined Betty Jean for eternity.
Even though Betty Jean never saw combat she gave the full measure for her country.
Thank you for your service Aunt Betty Jean and all of the others who have given so much for us..