Hilda Elizabeth Betche

Hilda Elizabeth Betche, age 93, of New Dawn Retirement Center at Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, died peacefully with her family at her side, early Monday, June 25, 2012 following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late Charles R. and Amanda (Meuhlen) Dennis, Hilda was born on April 20, 1919 in New Philadelphia and was a 1938 graduate of New Philadelphia High School.

Hilda retired in 1981 from the Department of Human Services at New Philadelphia following a 23 year career as a social worker. Prior to that, as a younger lady, she was employed as clerk for a number of area retail stores.

She was a member of the First Church of the Brethren at New Philadelphia and a former member of the New Philadelphia Moose Lodge and its Women’s Auxiliary, as well as the New Philadelphia Eagles, Lady Elks, and the AARP. From 1981 – 2003 Hilda was actively involved with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program.

Her other interests included dancing, traveling, socializing, spending time with her family as well as volunteering as a classroom grandparent.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Paul F. Betche and wife Darlene F. Betche of Wellington, Ohio, a daughter-in-law, Doris Betche of Lincoln Park, Michigan, a brother, Floyd Dennis, and two sisters, Margaret Wolfe and Mary West all of New Philadelphia as well as her companion Julius Radvansky of Dover.

Seven grandchildren, David Michael (Susie) Betche of Midvale, Melissa Price of New Philadelphia, Paula (companion, Gregory Jarvis) Betche of Strasburg , Jessica (husband, Kenneth) Schmidle of Medina, Megan (companion ,Zachary Slowik) Betche of Sanford, Florida, Stephanie Kingsboro of Wellington, Ohio and Kimberly Demczyk of Cleveland; ten great-grandchildren, Michael Betche, William Clark, Angella (companion, Christopher Lyons) Tilman, Miranda (Ed) Ewing, Jolissa Price, Konnor and Kendal Schmidle, Paige, Lauren, and Michael Kingsboro of Wellington; two great-great grandchildren, Dallas Ewing, Shania Lyons as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to her parents, Hilda was preceded in death by her husband, David F. Betche; a son, Virgil W. Betche; a sister, Clara Bradshaw, and three brothers, Darrell Dennis, George Dennis, and Charles Dennis.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Max Canfield will lead a funeral service celebrating Hilda’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 1:30 PM. Burial in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia will follow.

Following services, all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home.

Contributions in Hilda’s name may be directed to First Church of the Brethren, 700 Fair Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, The American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.