Betty Jane Robertson

Betty Jane Robertson (Page), 92, left this life on Sunday, August 20, 2023, in the comfort of her loving children. She lived a blessed filled life full of love with a forever young mindset, where she grew older but never old.

Betty was born in Madison, Indiana on January 24, 1931. She was a foster child as a young girl in Washington, DC, where she was a proud graduate of Baltimore High School in 1949 “Miner Forty-Niners”, where she acquired the loving nickname of “Little Page”.

Betty eventually returned to Madison, Indiana to work for the local paper and married Anthony Joseph Maranto on July 11, 1957. Anthony died shortly after the birth of their son, Anthony II “Tony” leaving Betty to raise her first son who was just a month old.  Betty would have to take over the recently started propane business started by her deceased husband.  She would then marry Gilbert Rex Robertson, Sr. on February 3, 1963 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (deceased 1993). The propane business would become Robertson-Maranto Bottle Gas Inc.  A capable bookkeeper, out of necessity she would become a deliverer, installer, and repairer of all things utilizing propane for two decades.  Her work ethic and ability to lift up to two-hundred-pound tanks off trucks impressed customers who often referred to her as “The Gas Lady”: she even drug tanks through the snow while pregnant.  Betty would then spend her next chapter catering primarily for the former Serrot Club for almost two decades.  Betty was far ahead of today’s female politicians who talk about breaking the glass ceiling wearing designer clothes, Betty knew real work.

Betty gave birth to four children, Anthony Joseph “Tony” Maranto II (Debbie), Gilbert “Robbie” Rex Robertson, Jr. (Billie Sue), Mary Cahill (Frank) and Brian Robertson (Jane) while together they would mentor and/or raise thirteen children collectively.  Dozens referred to Betty as mom, because she was a second mother to so many children outside our family and a loved “skate mom”.  Their collective children Beverly Jackson (deceased), Rex Robertson (deceased), Brenda Laurik, Janet Gibson, Walter Robertson (deceased), Doretta Kilgore, Judy Robinson (deceased), Patty Lee, Peggy Mellas-Kilgore, Tony Maranto, Robbie Robertson, Mary Cahill and Brian Robertson were blessed with two parents who knew so much abandonment and hardship but were committed to breaking this cycle so their kids would have a better future.  That future includes over thirty grandchildren, more than sixty great-grandchildren, and more than thirty great-great-grandchildren.  Betty required her family to know right from wrong while having a heart filled with unconditional love, even during our worst disappointments.  Her wisdom, both in finance and philosophy to life’s problems, were equally impressive as she juggled everyone’s life struggles with love and strength.

Betty was a devout Catholic and member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Clarksville, Indiana for over 65 years. She often fell asleep praying The Rosary while she wore it daily around her neck.  Betty constantly prayed over others, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Her life was a constant example of service above self; often doing without to ensure her children were fed; both at the table and in supporting their hopes and dreams.  Betty’s work ethic and sacrifice were unmatched.  

Betty’s unconditional love was a never-ending wellspring that surely heaven has a place for…Thank You God!

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 316 N Sherwood Avenue – Clarksville, IN, with burial to follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2-8 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway – Jeffersonville, IN, and additional receiving time thirty minutes prior to her funeral Mass at the church on Friday. A reception to follow the burial will be announced in the days ahead.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.ScottFuneralHome.com