Betty Jean Estep

Betty Jean Estep, 94, of Bedford, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at UPMC Altoona. She was born on November 28, 1931 in Bedford, a daughter of the late Boyd A. and Mae V. (Leonard) Wertz. She married Raymond R. “Steve” Estep Jr. in 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bedford and he preceded her in death on November 4, 1983. In 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bedford, she married James Frailey and he survives along with her two daughters: Nancy Jean Estep and husband Pete R. Van Zandt of Palmyra, and Betty Jayne Estep of Henderson, NV; one grandson: Casey R. Rosenberg of Henderson, NV; and six nieces and nephews: Bryan, Kevin, and Steven Black, Mary Jo Stahl, Robert Estep, and Georgia Williams. She was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Black.

In the 1950’s, she was very proud of her work at the University of Pittsburgh providing administrative support to the researchers who developed the Polio Vaccine. She also was an Executive Secretary for the Easter Seals Society of Bedford County prior to attending college.

Betty was a 1949 graduate of Bedford High School and attended Shippensburg State College, graduating in 1972 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. During her time there, she was also a member of the Phi Beta Lambda Business Club. She later taught Business Education at Bedford High School for almost 20 years and was the Advisor to the FBLA club.

Betty was baptized and a faithful lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Bedford Lioness Lions Club, and loved reading, going out to eat, dancing, big band and jazz music, spending time with her grandson Casey, and attending church and church activities.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Weinhold officiating. Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park after the service. Friends will be received on Friday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. Those wishing to make a donation in Betty’s name may do so to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 106 East Penn Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.