Betty L. Peterman

Betty L. Peterman, age 78, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Sunday evening, September 18, 2011 in the palliative care unit at Aultman Hospital.Born in her home at Brightwood in New Philadelphia, Betty was the daughter of the late Delbert Theodore and Evelyn Leona (Crouse) Meese. After graduating from Midvale High School in 1951, Betty married the love of her life, Harold Peterman on August 8, 1953. Together, they had the joy of raising five children and being the proud grandparents of 17.Betty was a member of Schoenbrunn Moravian Church. Her lifelong passion was softball, where she played on a number of leagues; ultimately retiring her bat at 60 years of age. However, her love for sports remained. Betty was always at her children’s or grandchildren’s games cheering their team to victory.She also was a wonderful grandmother, providing childcare to many of her grandchildren. Some of her caring acts that will remain in the hearts of many include Betty buying the perfect Christmas ornament for every member of the family each year, and her delicious popcorn balls that she passed out for Halloween.She will even by missed by her neighbor’s dog, who waited patiently for a treat from Betty at every opportunity. Harold and Betty raised and loved their five children including Dale (Deb) Peterman of Dennison, Sharon (Mitch) Belknap of Roswell, Joyce (Eric) Fondriest of Murfreesboro, TN, Sally (Jerry) Wigfield of Sherrodsville, and Linda (Mike) Slater of Dennison.Her family also includes 17 grandchildren and their 6 spouses; 11 great-grandchildren; her sister, Donna (Fred) Swaldo of Uhrichsville; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Melvin Meese; and her granddaughter, Heidi Peterman.A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life will be held in Schoenbrunn Moravian Church on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 4 p.m. A meal will be shared following the service in the church fellowship hall. So that her legacy of love for softball can continue, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Betty Peterman Memorial Softball Fund, C/O Dover Phila Federal Credit Union, 119 Fillmore Ave., Dover, O. 44622. The fund will be perpetuated by memorial softball tournaments that will ultimately help recondition a softball field at Midvale. The 1st Annual Betty Peterman Memorial Softball Tournament will be held on October 8th at the Midvale fields.