Bethel Joan Blume

Bethel Joan Blume (Slater), 83, of Columbus Ohio, went to be with the Lord on May 23 2026.

She was born in West Virginia on January 16, 1943 to the late Arnette and Nellie Slater. Bethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert Blume. Bethel was survived in death by her three daughters, Robin (Doug) Bess, Joni (Bill) Chamberlin, Carol Bowers and one son, Earnie (Lori) Wheeland. Also survived by brother Kermit Slater. Other survivors left to cherish Bethel’s memory include her nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and many other family and friends that helped brighten her life.

The matriarch of her family, her largest pride came from the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had always said “I am truly blessed.” She felt so blessed to have seen her family grow and multiply throughout the years and even greater to be present through it all, helping to raise the generations along the way.

She helped raise three generations. After raising her four wonderful children that became parents of their own; she began helping to nurture and raise the next generation and amazingly helped raise several of her great grandchildren.

She was a woman that would help out a stranger if they needed it, and was quick to start a conversation in public. She enjoyed doing anything with her family: camping, shopping, cooking, occasional trips to the casino, and of course bargain hunting. The best bargain hunter around, she would find the best deals and usually give them away to her family. She was always quick to boast about her family to strangers, and she never turned down the opportunity to come to a family cookout or a grandchild's event- her joy centered around them.

Bethel always had a kind presence. She was always making little gifts or baked goods for others. She was the most giving and genuinely thoughtful person. No one left her home empty handed after a visit, even if they tried. She would always send everyone home with food or something she had bought for them.

Her favorite holiday was Christmas! She spent the entire year thinking about and planning gifts for the people she loved. She was at her happiest during this Christmas season and its spirit, and of giving perfectly matched her caring and thoughtful nature. She loved baking her cookies, her twinkling lights and putting her tree up before Thanksgiving and loved being surrounded by her family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43231. A memorial service will follow.