Betty Jean (Willis) Asbell

Betty Jean (Willis) Asbell, 91, of Middletown, Delaware, formerly of Newark, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026.  Born in Petersburg, Indiana on December 20, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ethel (Loveless) Willis.  

Betty was a graduate of Petersburg High School, where she met her husband, Dwight.  They were married in 1954 and moved to Delaware in 1974. Betty was a dedicated homemaker for many years while also serving as an Avon Representative, having frequently earned awards as a top performer.  She began working at Macy’s at the Christiana Mall when the store opened in 1986, thoroughly enjoying her position as a China Specialist. Betty assisted hundreds of brides create their gift registries as they embarked on married life.  True to her ability to help people, she received numerous awards through the years as a top performer and commendations from the many customers she served.  

Following their retirements, Betty and Dwight became official snow birds, having spent 22 winters in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Betty took great pleasure in helping others and loved to see them smile.  Whether working at Macy’s, volunteering at the Cedars Church of Christ food bank where she and Dwight were members for more than 50 years, or simply helping family and friends, Betty was always first in line to lend a hand.

She enjoyed planting and cultivating flowers, cross stitch, sewing and collecting shells on her many beach walks.  Most of all, Betty loved her family and her many friends who became family.

Her beloved husband of 70 years, Dwight D. Asbell, passed away on June 18, 2025, and was patiently waiting for Betty to join him in heaven.

Betty is survived by her children, Michael Asbell (wife Beth) and Lisa Connor (husband Larry); her grandchildren, Hannah Tait (husband Andrew) and Joshua Asbell (wife Heather); and her great grandson, Luke Asbell.

Funeral services for Betty will be held privately.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Betty may be made to the Food Bank of Delaware, 222 Lake Drive, Newark, Delaware 19702 (https://www.fbd.org).

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