Betty Lou Fent

Betty Lou Holtslander Fent, 84, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina, after a long battle with Dementia, surrounded by her three children.

Betty, affectionately known to friends as “Betty Lou,” was born on December 1, 1941, in Flint, Michigan, and grew up on a small farm in Linden, Michigan. She fondly recalled her childhood—riding on a tractor with her father, riding her horse bareback, and helping her mother bake in the kitchen—memories that stayed close to her heart throughout her life.

Betty’s life took a new direction when she met a city boy, Richard C. Fent. They were married in May 1960 in Flint, Michigan. Together, they raised three children.

After beginning married life in Swartz Creek, Michigan, they moved to Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and later built a new home in Barrington, Illinois. Betty stayed busy raising the children while Richard’s work frequently took him abroad. She was fortunate to begin seeing the world by accompanying him on many of his trips. In 1982, the family moved to Morgan Hill, California, where Betty remained active in the community and church. During this time, she opened a small downtown business called The Candle Shop. She was famously interviewed on the nightly news after the Loma Prieta earthquake devastated her store in 1989. After selling her business, Betty pursued her passion for medicine by working in medical offices.

In 1992, Betty and Richard relocated to Aiken, South Carolina, due to Richard’s work transfer. There, Betty became deeply involved in volunteer service, giving her time to The Children’s Place, Women of Woodside (WOW), Equine Rescue of Aiken, and serving on numerous committees at Trinity Methodist Church.

One of Betty’s greatest adventures came when Richard accepted a four‑year work assignment in Saudi Arabia. During this time, Betty had the opportunity to travel extensively, sharing her warmth, kindness, and compassion around the world.

Above all else, family was Betty’s highest priority. She was known for always putting others before herself, finding joy in caring for those she loved and performing random acts of kindness for those she had never met. Family, neighbors, and church friends alike could always count on Betty to be there—with open arms, a listening ear, and a loving heart.

Betty is deeply missed by all who knew her, but her family finds comfort in knowing she is now with the Lord and reunited with those she loved and lost.

Betty is survived by her daughter Dorothy J. Fountaine (Mark Merrill) of Morgan Hill, California; her son David R. Fent of Aiken, South Carolina; and her son Douglas C. Fent (Meredith Fent) of Beaufort, South Carolina. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Brandon Fountaine (Jessica), Mitch Fountaine (Shaylyn), Alexis Fountaine (Juan Sepulveda), Patrick Merrill (Bobbi Fox), Christopher Fent, Lauren Butler (Daniel), Evan Fent, and Josie Fent; and thirteen great‑grandchildren: Cole, Alaina, Blake, Aubry, Ava, Nathen, Leila, Wyatt, Beckett, Austin, Cooper, Amelia, and Daniel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard C. Fent; her parents, Robert and Dorothy Holtslander; her sister, Barbara Tardiff; and her brothers, Lloyd Holtslander, Frederick Holtslander, and Robert Holtslander Jr.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 3, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Shellhouse‑Rivers Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with The Rev. Dr. Donnie Bates officiating. The service will be livestreamed at:https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/585055

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Purple Sneaker Team at Aiken Memory Care to help end Alzheimer’s disease:

https://alzm.org/fxuko .

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC