Age 83, of South Webster, went peacefully to be with her Lord and loved ones at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth on January 9, 2015. She was born December 15, 1931 in Pedro, Ohio, to the late Leslie and Gertrude Williams Claxon.

She graduated from South Webster High School in 1949, and began employment at Nationwide Insurance (formerly Farm Bureau Insurance) in Columbus as a Clerk-Typist the same year. In 1952, when the opportunity arose, she transferred to the Nationwide Insurance District Office in Portsmouth as a Secretary until 1959.

On June 6, 1953, she married the love of her life, Earl Hagen, a marriage that went unbroken 47 years until his death in May, 2000. Into this union were born two loving children, Joy and Duane, to bless their home.

After the birth of her two children, she became a part time Sales Representative for Nationwide, working out of her home. She formally retired from the company in 1996, but continued working as an Associate Agent for her son-in-law, Mark A. Harnera¿½"a position she still held, working with her son Duane, also an Associate Agent.

Betty and her family began attending Bloom Free Baptist Church in 1943. In 1945, Betty made the most important decision of her lifea¿½"she gave her heart and life to the Lord, and has been a Christian for nearly 70 years. She formally became a member of the church in 1947, and taught the 7-9 year old Sunday School class for 20 years.

Betty loved gospel music, and sang with the original Claxon Family Quartet. She also led the Children's Choir, and was Director of the church Christmas plays for many years. Betty continued attending church at Bloom until her illness and always enjoyed the Christmas Cantatas by the adult choir and children's choir.

In 1963 she was elected Bloom Township Clerk-Treasurer and served in this capacity until 1992, after having been elected to 7 consecutive terms. She also enjoyed working as an election poll official for several years.

In 1999 she was inducted into the South Webster High School Alumni Hall of Fame, and the same year she observed her 50th High School Class Reunion. Betty was a good person who loved life and people. She had a generous heart, and enjoyed doing for others. She was a very independent person, and loved driving to work and church until her illness prevented her on December 9. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. But our loss is Heaven's gain!

Surviving her are two beloved children, Joy Lyn Harner (Mark) and Duane Hagen (Ronda) of South Webster, three wonderful grandchildren of whom she was so proud, Brad Hagen (Michelle) and Brandi Hagen of South Webster, and Allen Harner (Emily) of Wheelersburg, along with two very precious great granddaughters, Kianna Leigh Hagen, and Olivia Grace Harner, with another great granddaughter expected in May. Also surviving is a very special Sister and best friend, Linda Spurlock (Hagar) of Wheelersburg, and many special nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by sisters Juanita Schafer, Eva Brown, Louise McManus, Edna Martin, Verna McCain, Jewell Huston, Myrtle Etterling, and Lacy Litteral, and brothers Leslie "Eck", Lowell "Boots", John, Ernest, and Winfield Claxon.

A celebration of Betty's life will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Bloom Free Will Baptist Church with her grandson Allen Harner officiating, assisted by Roger Lavender, and Kenny Klaiber. Burial will be at the South Webster Cemetery in South Webster. Visitation will be Monday, January 12, 2015, at the D.W. Swick Funeral Home in South Webster, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bloom Free Will Baptist Church Children's Music Program Fund, P.O. Box 162, South Webster, Ohio 45682.