Elizabeth “Betty” Deardurff, 92, of West Liberty, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday evening, November 21, 2023, at Green Hills Care Center.
She was born Elizabeth Joan Watkins on February 2, 1931, to Ruth Elizabeth Barnes and Harry Eddy Watkins, in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Huntsville Schools in 1949. She married John William Deardurff on July 7, 1949, at Hopewell Church in Bellefontaine.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John W. Deardurff, and by her parents. She is survived by her children: Ruth (Dean) Harkness of Gahanna, Paul (Paula) Deardurff of Bellefontaine, Martha (Lawrence) Wood of Williamsburg, Virginia, and William (Connie) Deardurff of West Jefferson; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Carolyn Deardurff of Bellefontaine.
Betty and John farmed in Logan County until 1986. She worked as a packer for Sims and Huber Moving Company and then worked in the food service department at Heartland of Bellefontaine for 11 years. Throughout her life she was active in Gretna Brethren Church, where she was a member for 70 years. She was a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, participated in WMS, and served at both the District and National levels of the Brethren Church.
Betty was active in the community with Farm Bureau Council, Christian Women’s Club, a poll worker, and 4-H Advisor. She supported WEEC-Springfield Christian radio for 60+ years. Betty loved to crochet for family occasions and shut-ins, over the years she made dozens of afghans, hundreds of lap robes and baby blankets for many. Betty was recognized for volunteering over 1,000 hours at Green Hills. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and was an avid reader.
Pastor Rob Starnes will officiate Betty’s funeral on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, West Liberty, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to WEEC-Springfield, 1205 Whitefield Circle, Xenia, OH 45385, or to Gretna Brethren Church, 1564 Twp Rd 46, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Deardurff family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.