Betty Jane "B.J." Belli, 93, of Harleysville, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Lutheran Community at Telford, with family and friends surrounding her with love. She was the wife of the late Linford Nathaniel "Lin" Belli.

Born in Hatboro, PA, she was a daughter of the late William Henry and Bertha Ford (nee Wyant). B.J. later lived in Horsham, Bedminster, Bonita Springs, FL, and White Haven.

B.J. was a graduate of Hatboro High School, class of 1948.  She proudly wore the red and black school colors.  In high school, she enjoyed playing field hockey and was the head majorette.  In 1947, her baton twirling skills earned her a spot as an Eaglette, where she performed at Philadelphia Eagles games.

She loved watching football and was an avid gardener and florist.  She enjoyed playing cards, reading, watching airplanes, traveling, the beach, going out to eat, and car rides to see if she could get lost.  In later years, she enjoyed word searches, game shows, watching birds, and listening to Michael Buble.  B.J.'s claim to fame was receiving a huge hug from Cary Elwes, the actor in The Princess Bride. "As you wish."

B.J. had worked for Hatboro Flower Shop, Holbert's Porsche Audi, Weber's Flower Shop, and AMS (Administrative Management Services).

She is survived by her children from her first marriage, P.J. Ford Slack (David) of Fairbanks, AK, Jeffrey Belli Slack (Mike) of Narrowneck Beach, New Zealand, Stephen Slack (Sandy) of Payson, AZ, Robin Taylor (Jeff) of Beaufort, SC, and Heidi Zink of Harleysville. PA.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed by family and friends, as she could light up a room and hold conversations with anyone.  She was quick-witted and had a plethora of memorable and quirky expressions.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Charles William "Chuck" Slack, III, a great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Anne Slack and her siblings, Elaine Bruder, Cora Lindquist, Joan Nunn, and William "Bill" Ford.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30  AM on Tuesday, August 1, at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA 18940.   Betty Jane and her beloved husband, Lin will be honored and laid to rest together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, your local SPCA or rescue, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Grand View Hospice and the home care agencies who helped guide us on her journey.