Betty "BJ" Jane Burnside

Betty Jane (Petzoldt) Burnside, known as BJ, a 1956 graduate of Tipp City High School, passed away very quickly and peacefully in her home in Ellenton, Florida on March 25, 2023, only 7 weeks before her 85th birthday. Her impactful life was celebrated on May 20th at Sarasota Baptist Church. BJ was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Marjorie Petzoldt, and her husband, R. Max Burnside, all previous residents of Tipp City. The Petzoldt family were the developers of Country Estates, Country Estates East, Evanston Estates, Deer Cliff Run in Tipp City and Crestwood Hills subdivision in Vandalia. BJ is survived by her son, Kent, and his wife Diana; son, Dean, and his wife Terri; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one sibling, a brother, Curtis Petzoldt and his wife Cindy; 3 nieces and one nephew. BJ was a highly successful Realtor for 56 years in Ohio and Florida before retiring in 2014. She served as Chair for Sarasota Christian Women's Connection, a Stonecroft ministry, for 18 years. Many women met Jesus Christ and grew in their faith during BJ's leadership.  BJ was diagnosed with cancer in seven places in her body in August 2019 and the prognosis was that she would not be with us much longer. The cancer eventually spread to 11 parts of her body. She chose to have no treatment, yet enjoyed 4 years of a full and active life. She credited her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as her source of strength and positive attitude in the face of her terminal diagnosis.She lived one of her favorite verses of scripture: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. BJ's sons and wives will intern her ashes next to her husband in a simple graveside memorial at Maple Hill Cemetery on Saturday, July 1st at 10:30 am. It is open to anyone who would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, it was BJ's request that memorial donations be made in her honor to ministries that share the hope of Jesus Christ. Stonecroft SW Florida was one of several she suggested since she was deeply involved. Checks can be mailed to 12315 Lobelia Terr., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 or donations can be made online at Stonecroft.org/donate.