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Betty A. VanZandt

August 17, 1963 ~ June 8, 2026

Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Resided in: Franklin, Pennsylvania

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Betty VanZandt, 62, of Franklin passed away on June 8, 2026 at UPMC Northwest with her husband and son at her side.

Born on August 17, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Orval Paul and Mary Agnes (McCool) Sweitzer, Sr.

She was a graduate of Rocky Grove High School.

On June 2, 1984, she married the love of her life, Ronald D. VanZandt and he survives.

Betty was an avid Steelers fan. She was very independent and sassy but she loved being around her friends and family. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #328, Franklin and the VFW Jesse Greer Post 1835, Franklin. At the Eagles, she was in charge of the football pool since she was such a strong Steelers fan and she had spunk that kept everything going where ever she went.

In her younger years, she worked with ceramics. She also enjoyed playing cards and dice. Most of all, her family was her world and she enjoyed every moment with them.

Left to cherish her memory, along with her husband of 42 years, is her son Ronald VanZandt, Jr. and his wife, Tammy of Rockland; her grandchildren Steven and Chloe VanZandt of Rockland; her siblings Howard Sweitzer, Sr. and his wife, Julie, of Cherrytree, Martha “Darlene” Graham of Franklin, Mary Williams and her husband, Bill, of Franklin, Diane Sparling and her husband, Dave, of Cooperstown, Orval “Paul” Sweitzer, Jr. and his wife, Maxine, of Cranberry, Ella Stewart and her husband, Lee, of Franklin, and Gene Sweitzer and his wife, Cheryl, of Meadville; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Larry and Tommy Sweitzer.

Services for Betty will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA.

Betty will be laid to rest in Cooperstown Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Betty’s memory to the VFW Jesse Greer Post 1835, 411 9th Street, Franklin, PA 16323 and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 also at https://www.stjude.org/donate/

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Betty’s Book of Memories online at warrenfh.com.

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Betty A. VanZandt 's name.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis,

Tennessee

38105

www.stjude.org

VFW Jesse G. Greer Post 1835

411 9th Street

Franklin,

Pennsylvania

16323

814-432-7744

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  1. When I was younger and Betty lived with us, I remember so many wonderful and fun times. Some of those memories are a little mischievous, so perhaps best left unshared here! But some of my fondest moments were the simple joys, like listening to records with her. Olivia Newton-John’s Let’s Get Physical was often on repeat, filling the house with upbeat energy. I can’t forget the time she and Uncle Ron scared me half to death by knocking on the windows when no one else was home. And then there were the embarrassing “grams” she sent me in high school—unforgettable to say the least!

    I loved staying with her, especially preparing for “Ronnie’s” arrival and our afternoon swims. She taught me how to make paper gum wrapper chains and even how to roll a cigarette, another one of her mischievous lesson I’ll never forget. One of my most entertaining memories is when she played one of her famous tricks on my mom by having her friend dress up like a bag lady and casually walk through our backyard. We laughed so hard at Mom’s reaction!

    Though she was always full of jokes and laughter, she had a sensitive and caring side that brought me comfort when I needed it most. I will always cherish the joy she brought to my life and the love she shared with me.

    Thank you, Aunt Betty, for the memories, the laughter, and the love. You will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.

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