Betty Assan Layanue Bleah

Betty Assan Layanue Bleah, 33, was a beautiful and radiant young lady who lived in Brownsburg, Indiana. After a short illness and hospitalization, Betty took her last breath at home and transitioned to heaven on February 13, 2024. Betty was born on March 11, 1990, in Kumasi, Ghana, to her parents Yarto and Doris Bleah. She achieved appropriate developmental milestones until the tender age of 11 months when she sustained a serious accident and anoxic brain injury leading to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Betty and her parents migrated to the United States in January 1999. Under the guidance of the almighty GOD, Betty received excellent care from the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dieticians, and ancillary staff at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and later at the Indiana University Hospital–West in Avon. Additionally, Betty received top-notch and loving care from the nurses and staff of Tendercare Home Health, Inc., Apria Health Care, Hillrom, IU Home Care, Binson Health Care, and National Seating & Mobility.

Throughout her life, Betty’s condition never defined her; instead, it highlighted her extraordinary ability to confront adversity with a smile and with resilience and with a grace that inspired all who knew her.

Betty attended Central Elementary School and Lincoln Middle School in Pike Township and then went on to graduate from Brownsburg High School in 2010. Her favorite colors were pink, lilac, and purple. Betty loved to stroll outdoors in her hot pink wheelchair and favorite sunglasses. Betty loved Disney movies, their theme songs, and princess characters. She also loved to hear her mother’s singing and was able to express her joy by the look in her eyes and the infectious smile on her face.

Betty is survived by her mother, Dr. Doris Annabella Woelinam Bleah-Nartey; her father, Yarto Manlieh Bleah; and her stepfather, Bernard J. Nartey. Other survivors include her brothers and sisters: Emmanuel Manny Bleah, Nehwon Josephine Bleah, Yarto Manlieh Bleah, Jr., Elikem David Bleah, Hanson Nartey, Benard Nartey, Jr., as well as Betty’s grandmothers: Jessie Elizabeth Agbo-Addai and Dorcus Nuorpor Bleah. Betty also leaves behind several great-aunts and great-uncles: Pearl Nsiah-Kumi, Rosina Agbo, Edith Agbo,  Wallace Agbo, Elizabeth Asamoah (and brothers &sisters), Elizabeth Asare (and brothers & sisters), Calvin & Darlene Hensley, David & Giselle Young, Robert & Vonnie Dekeku (and brothers and sister), Bernice Dakeku and Faustina Atiketa (and brothers and sister); and many aunties and uncles including: Walter Agbo, Love Alexandra Edem Asare, Ivy Emefa Addai, Kofi & Peace (Addai) Opoku-Nyarko, Irene Emefa Asare, Praise Sefako-Boafo, Victor & Jenifer Afun, Dr. Dorothy Amenuke, Michael & Mabel Akotia, Wonyiah Bleah, Joel & Gbaper Bleah, John Bleah, Enoch Bleah, Andrew Bleah, Vida Asare, Rosemary Asare, Deborah Asare, Patrick Addai, Benedict Addai, Vincent Addai, Evans Dzagali, Reginald Agbo, Yvonne Agbo (and sisters), Christopher Ananse (and brothers and sisters), Divine Agbo (and brother and sister), Innocent Agbo (and brothers and sisters), Jedida Subey (and brothers and sisters), Jayne During, Julia Thorington, Patrick & Gabrielle Delp,  Damien Vaughn, Felicia Sconce-Darnley, Kathleen Gowin, Serina Mergulhao, Dr. Vinod Pallekonda, Dr, Lekshmi Natarajan,  Dr. Aidan Gilkey, Monica Wisecup, Gloria Nwachuku, Aya Rettew, Carla Scott, Susan Quinteros, Gloria Boyden, and Dr. & Mrs. Eromonselle Idahosa, Antionette Mellisa Coffie, and Ruth Zanzi Bleah. Betty is also survived by her cousins: Eric Kwame & Jayne Antwi, David Qwesi Addai, Belinda Maame Serwaa Opoku, Wendell Agbo, Michael Agbo, Joshua Agbo, Dr. Divine Amenuke, Dr. Edem Amenuke, Kobi Amenuke, Jayden Opoku-Nyarko, Jessie Opoku-Nyarko, Kelvin Baah,  Damien Sefako-Boafo, Chris Sefako-Boafo, Patience Sefako-Boafo, Declan Sefako-Boafo, Timothy Nuhe, Gladys Nuhe, Edith Nuhe,  Adolphine Seyram Amoah (and brothers), Jared Bleah, Koya Bleah, Nuah Bleah, Esther Bleah, Lokuah Bleah, Dr. Paulina Bleah Nehwon, Nya Robert Mantor, Meazo Mantor, Guanbeh Mantor, Nehwon Briana Mantor, Samiya Dekarkeh, Caleb Dekarkeh, Lua Bleah, Luanue Bleah, Jabez Bleah, Teawon Bleah-Jackson, Ofeibea Bleah-Nelson, Gifty Agbo, Eden Agbo, Grace Adamfo (and their husbands, wives, and children). Lastly, Betty's beloved dog, Cashew, who stood faithful watch at Betty's door and provided Betty with the love and companionship that only a dog can. 

Betty was preceded in passing by her grandfathers of blessed memory: Benjamin Yao Asare, Francis Kwasi Addai, and David Gbaa Bleah. Several great-aunts and great-uncles also preceded her in death: Emmanuel Agbo, Prosper Agbo, Harry Agbo, Hope Agbo, Edna Agbo, Reverend Regina Agbo-Ofori, E. B. Asare, Patient Zuokwuon Bleah, and Paul Dickson Bleah all of the blessed memory.

In addition to family, friends, and neighbors, Betty was loved dearly and prayed for by veteran acquaintances of her mother Dr. Doris Nartey who is also a veteran of the United States Air-Force.

As we bid farewell to Betty, we do not say goodbye, but rather express our deepest gratitude for the time we were privileged to spend with her. Her legacy will continue illuminating our paths, guiding us through moments of darkness with the light of her memory. In honoring her, we commit to embracing life with the same courage and joy she exemplified daily.

Betty, your departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but your spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved you. You were a beacon of hope, a source of comfort, and a pillar of strength. As we gather to pay tribute to your remarkable life, we find solace in knowing that your journey has led you to a place of peace and eternal rest. Your memory will forever be a glowing tribute to the incredible person you were. Rest in peace, dear Betty. Your legacy of love, resilience, and grace will never be forgotten.

The family would like to give special thanks to the following Tendercare Home Health Care nurses: Maime Hodges (surrogate mother), Olajumoke Adubiaro, Aminat Adedokun, Mary Iyilade, Rhonda Davis, Valarie Kromberg, Emily Hamilton, Sarah Gray, Anamae Logan, Ebun Adejube; the schedulers Angie Granados, Phara and Maya and case managers for their excellence, dedication, and love; and the Apria staff: Bob Weaver and Hank Gregg (home oxygen distributor) which enabled Betty to remain at home until her transition.

Finally, the family gives special recognition to the esteemed IU West Hospital staff, ICU nurses, medical support staff, consulting physicians, as well as attending physicians, providers and their staff involved in outpatient care of Betty at IU Health West Hospital: Dr. Mark Unroe, pulmonologist; Dr. Drew Kepple, primary care physician; Dr. Sadia Saba, neurologist; Dr. Clemmon McDonald, otolaryngologist; Dr. Charles Powell, and Jennifer Wilkins, NP, urologist; Dr. Adam Ellis, pain medicine specialist; Dr. Herra Jafri, and Piper; Danay Smith, NP, palliative care team; Dr. Darlene West, IU dentistry; Dr. Jennifer Wiebke, the pediatric pulmonologist; and Dr. Timothy Brei, pediatrician, Riley Hospital for Children; the wheelchair rehab clinic and the social worker team of  Riley Children Hospital, Indianapolis.

Services for Betty Bleah will be held at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services, 1604 W. Morris Street, Indianapolis, on Thursday, February 29, 2024. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, and a funeral service will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Riley Children’s Foundation in Betty’s memory at Riley Children’s Foundation -… | Riley Children's Foundation (rileykids.org)