Longtime New York Director Betty Kingsley Passes Away
Date Posted: March 21st, 2025
Obituary of Betty Kingsley
In Loving Memory of Betty Jane (Kulow) Kingsley
Betty Jane (Kulow) Kingsley, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14th. She was born in Lyons, NY, to Fred and Bertha Kulow (Malchoff) and grew up in Clyde, NY, where she developed a strong work ethic.
Betty was predeceased by her loving husband, G. Bruce Kingsley, and her brother, Karl Kulow (Nancy Hilt). She is survived by her two sisters, Barbara Waterman (Bruce) and Bonnie Jeffe, as well as several nieces and nephews.
From an early age, Betty demonstrated her determination and independence, earning her own money in various jobs, from babysitting for 25 cents an hour to working in her school cafeteria. She picked strawberries, raspberries, and cherries on the DiPolito farm in Clyde, NY, and assisted a local lawyer with dinner parties. She helped set up the new 5&10 store in town and remained an employee. Betty’s journey also included working as a waitress at the famous Mineral Springs Hotel in Clyde, where she served guests at the popular Sunday Smorgasbord.
Betty attended Clyde School through the 3rd grade before transitioning to North Rose and later returning to Clyde. A farmer’s daughter, she found belonging through activities like the school newspaper, yearbook, basketball, and cheerleading. After high school, Betty attended the Rochester Business Institute, where she worked at the Rochester Carting Company during her Co-Op Program. She later joined Eastman Kodak, where she began as a secretary and eventually became a Quality Control Engineer in Film Manufacturing. It was also at Kodak where she met her husband, Bruce, beginning a lifelong partnership.
Betty’s involvement in bowling was a central part of her life, serving as Director and President of the Rochester Women's Bowling Association for decades. She was also a key figure in the New York State and National Women's Bowling Associations, earning numerous awards, including being inducted into the New York State Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2007.
Betty will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with a funeral service to follow.
Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home
1704 Penfield Road
Penfield, New York 14526
