Betty Janet Gliva

Betty Janet Gliva, 96, passed away in Indianapolis, IN., surrounded by family on November 12, 2023.

Betty was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Jack and Winifred Johnston.  She spent her younger years in Cleveland where she met the love of her life, Edward Gliva.  They married in June 1946 and began their family in 1947.  From 1947 to 1964, their family grew to a total of seven children.

In 1955, Betty, Ed, and four children moved from Cleveland to Avon Lake, Ohio.  For Betty and the family, the 13 years spent in Avon Lake remains a special place in the family history.  In addition to taking care of the home and preparing daily meals for nine, she contributed to the family income by sewing drapes with other women in the neighborhood.  In 1969, after Ed’s job was transferred, the family packed up and moved from Avon Lake to Indianapolis.

In Indianapolis, as children began to leave home, Betty began a new career as a cosmetician at Haag Drug, where she remained for 25 years until retirement. During this time, she continued to take care of the home and those were still living there.  Following retirement, Betty added hobbies to her daily routine which included reading and cross stitching. Her precious, handcrafted creations were shared with family members for many years.

As years passed, more of her time was spent at home with family.  With the support of her daughter Peggy, she was able to remain her family home of 54 years until her final days. 

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Edward, and her son Richard.  She is survived by her six children: Edward (Kathy), John, Pamela White, Peggy Stuck, Catherine Golden (Don), and Thomas (Melissa).  Betty was blessed with nine grandchildren:  Carrie Striplin, Rick White, Christina and Cory Stuck, Nicholas Yonts, Abigail Gliva-Gerber, Connor, Grace and Kevin Gliva.  Betty’s 5 great grandchildren include:  Evann, Adyn, Mykaila, Symmone, and Morgan.  The great-great grandchildren (5th generation) include Genevieve and Murphy.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to either Special Olympics Indiana or the American Heart Association.