Bettye Zowarka

Bettye Zowarka of Keystone Heights, FL went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2022, she was 93. Born in Lebanon, TN to Edna Luck (Rose) McMichael and Phocian Ward Luck, she is survived by her children Chris (Jennifer), Tish Ganey (Tim), Suzanne VanHatten, Michael (Tricia), nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Samuel I. “Buddy” Rogers, Jr. and James G. “Jim” Zowarka, both Navy pilots, assuring an angel’s escort to heaven; stepfather Frank W. “Chicken” McMichael, her grandson Benjamin Zowarka, and great grandson Jonah Orr. Bettye’s four great passions in life were her membership in the Episcopal Church, her missions to Episcopal Churches in Cuba, bringing Hospice to the Keystone/Melrose areas in the early years before Hospice services were ubiquitous, and with her husband Jim, as a dedicated Gator Booster for over 50 years. The mayor of Keystone Heights pronounced April 28 “Bettye Zowarka Day” day to honor her work in these areas and in the community at large. Bettye traveled several times to Cuba on a religious visa to take medicines, clothing, and gifts to Episcopal Church members across Cuba that were adopted as “sister” churches by various Episcopal Churches in Florida. She was particularly fond of churches deep in the countryside in the provinces of Matanzas and Camaguey, Cuba. Bettye served as a Haven Hospice Volunteer Liaison for over 30 years beginning in 1984. Haven Hospice in Palatka recently honored Bettye in a ceremony adding the title “Bettye Zowarka Hospice Volunteer of the Year” to their award recognizing excellence in service among their volunteers. Her family would like to thank the nurses and volunteers of Haven Hospice Palatka, and Bettye’s personal caregivers for the excellent and compassionate care provided to her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Haven Hospice in her memory. A memorial service honoring Bettye will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal
  
 Church in Melrose, FL with a reception and celebration immediately afterward at the Zowarka home in Keystone Heights.

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