Betty Ruth Stephen, 85
CALCUTTA-Betty Ruth Stephen, age 85 went home to be with her lord on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 at the Calcutta Health Care Center, a caring and loving nursing home community that she grew to love. She was surrounded by her three loving children and her family.
She was born on July 23, 1927 to Vernon and Irene Mikes, in Sistersville, West Virginia. She was the first born of 16 children, 14 sisters, and 2 brothers. Most of her siblings preceded her in death. Her surviving siblings are Erma (Ed) Beagle, Donna Kemp, and Phyllis Barnhart of West Virginia.
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Betty Ruth Stephen
On May 24, 1947 she married the love of her life, Virl D. Stephen, who preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 1995 after almost 50 years of marriage. From this union they had three children, Ronald Stephen of Toronto, Ohio, Barbara (Riley) Looper of Jackson, Michigan, and Debra (Roger) Miller of Toronto, Ohio.
In her earlier years she worked at the Toronto Lanes bowling alley as a waitress, and also the Pottery Center in Wellsville. She was a lifetime member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha social and educational sorority since 1955. Outside of her family, her most loved interest was her church community at Port Homer Community Church in Toronto, Ohio, where she served on the church board and led the Home Missions. She would raise money for the less fortunate in the community. She also enjoyed putting together baskets of food for those in need for holiday dinners. This was her passion in life and she continued doing this until she couldn't physically perform her duties any longer.
Betty will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by her six grandchildren. Todd Looper of Jackson, Michigan, Shelley (Eric) Gafkjen of Jackson, Michigan, Eric (Dawn) Miller of Toronto, Ohio, Alan (Kristen) Miller of Hilliard, Ohio, Darla Dawn Stephen of Lisbon, Ohio, and she was preceded in death by grandson Shawn Stephen in 2004. She also had 14 great-grandchildren whom she adored. Dustin Looper, Joshua Miller, Zachary Stephen, Kayla Looper, Tyler and Ashlee Miller, Ryan Cline, Paige Durbin, Drake Looper, Devin Looper, Angeline Luckino, Destiny Gray, Erika Miller, and Jordyn Miller.
The family will greet visitors on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Clarke Funeral Home 302 Main St. Toronto, Ohio 43964. 740-537-1234/ 855-847-1240
A celebration service of Betty's life will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Dirk Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Sugar Grove Union Cemetery.
The family would also like to thank the staff at the Calcutta Health Care Community Center for making her feel at home the past couple of years.
The family would also like to send a special thanks to Betty's two special friends, Betty and Della.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's name may be made to the Port Homer Community Church 2452 County Rd 68 Toronto, Ohio 43964
She would request that we all have peace in knowing that she lives today in paradise with her lord.
