Betty Shope

Betty I. Shope, 94, of Rockford, Ohio, died Tuesday night, January 12, 2021, at Lima Memorial Hospital, Lima, Ohio, where she was a patient. She was born March 25, 1926, in Rockford, the daughter of Adolph and Cecil (McChristy) Bauer. She was a graduate of the Celina Class of 1944. On March 30, 1946, she married Edward D. Shope, who preceded in death on Nov. 3, 1992. Betty was a homemaker and lived in the area all her life. She was a member of the Olive Branch Church of God, Rockford and the WCSC. Her faith and love of the Lord was immeasurable. While Ed was living, they did quite a bit of traveling, and she truly loved the places they saw and the things they did together. Betty loved gardening and all her flowers. She loved puzzles and word search books, and was an avid card player. She and family and friends would gather to play cards, and Betty wanted to win!

Surviving Betty are a son, Robert (Becky Jo) Shope of Rockford; two daughters, Linda (Ron) Burris of St. Marys, Ohio and Connie Altstaetter of Wapakoneta, Ohio; five grandchildren: William (Linda) Zizelman, Nicole (Les) Bearman, Melissa (John) Shaffer, Ambi (Zach) Moser, and Jason Shope; seven great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Mae Ruth Miller and one daughter-in-law, Linda (Mike) Warthman. Deceased is a son Eddie Shope and a brother-in-law Ray Miller.

Private funeral services for the family will be held on Monday January 18, 2021 at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio, with Pastor Ken Meyer officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford, Ohio. Friends and family may call at the funeral home prior to the service, from noon-2:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Olive Branch Church of God, Rockford, or to Disabled American Veterans. Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.

Although family and friends are invited to attend Betty's visitation, we continue to be cautious and concerned for those who are most vulnerable, the elderly and those with serious health issues. We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant and respect the well-being of the family members and friends. Attendees are required to observe social distancing, refrain from close physical contact, and wear facial coverings as required by state mandate.