FRANKLIN
Betty Jane “B.J.” Hoge of Franklin, IN passed away on Sunday morning, June 6, 2021. Betty Jane “B.J.” Hoge, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her seventy-fifth year. Throughout her life, B.J. graciously shared heaping measures of love, affection, and kindness with each one of her family and friends, including her many four-legged “children.”
B.J. brightened her family members’ days with her endearing laughter and cheerful smile. She was particularly loved and adored by her grandchildren: Isabella, Phoenix, Bradford, Maddox, Apollo, Jay, and Chie, as well as her little rescue dog, Loulou. Born in Detroit, Michigan on July 21, 1945, B.J. was the eldest child of Bill and Betty Hearin’s four children. She grew up there and in Clay, Kentucky, before the family moved to Franklin, Indiana in 1959. B.J. was a favorite waitress among her drive-in customers when she worked at the Franklin Dog-n-Suds during high school. One of B.J.’s favorite hangouts after school was Nick’s Candy Kitchen in downtown Franklin. B.J. was a 1963 graduate of Franklin Community High School. She attended the University of Kentucky for a brief time before devoting her young adulthood to marriage and motherhood. In addition to her grandchildren, B.J. is survived by her two children, Allen Jay “A.J.” (Tomoe) Hoge and Tiffany Lee (Andrew) Hoge-Mills, brothers, Billy John (Megan) Hearin and Barry Joel Hearin, sister, Jill (John) Norris, nieces, Tracy (Frank) Foley, Lindsey (Damon) Smith, Samantha Norris, Olivia Norris, and nephews, Matthew Hearin and Phillip Norris, and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
B.J. lived in various places along the East Coast of the U.S. with her husband and children before returning to Franklin to live in 1989. B.J. became a dental assistant upon her return, working for the I.U. School of Dentistry until her retirement. She enjoyed her job, particularly, performing preventative dental care for children via the college’s traveling dental bus that visited the local elementary schools. B.J.’s Halloween “treats” for the little Trick-or-Treaters were small bags each filled with a toothbrush and a small, boxed, Crest toothpaste tube.
B.J. enjoyed crafting and creating tasty holiday candies and treats to share with her family and friends. She enjoyed watching NFL games on Sunday afternoons and trekking to Henryville annually to watch the Indy 500 live at her brother’s home. B.J. adopted various dogs and cats over the years, spending many hours enjoying their uplifting company.
“Nana” to her grandkids and “Aunt B” to her nieces and nephews, B.J. delighted in visiting with her loved ones at family gatherings and in their frequent encounters. B.J. was more than just a relative, she was a friend to each one of her family members. She lent her ear and encouragement to all. Her absence is deeply felt, both in heart and in spirit.
“Those we hold most dear never truly leave us. They live on in the kindnesses they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives.”?Isabel Norton.
Visitation for family and friends will occur on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Swartz Family Community Mortuary, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, Indiana. A brief graveside service will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery at 12:15 p.m. A Celebration of B.J.’s Life Service will follow the graveside service on Saturday and will be held at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church 548 W. 100 North in Franklin, IN at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Johnson County Humane Society 3827 North Graham Road Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.hsjc.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
