Betty J. Marsh

May 31, 1927 – May 6, 2025

CONTINENTAL - Betty J. Marsh, 97, entered eternal rest peacefully at her home in Continental, Ohio, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her devoted children.

Born on May 31, 1927, in Melrose, Ohio, to Joseph and Lela (Smith) Sheely, Betty lived a life rich in faith, family, and service. She graduated from Oakwood High School in 1945 and attended Tiffin University. Her professional life began with a heart for education and community as she served as Secretary to the Dean at Defiance College. There she met the love of her life, Donald W. Marsh. The two were united in marriage on November 12, 1949, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and mutual devotion. Betty and Don shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on March 20, 2010.

A hardworking and dedicated woman, Betty held a variety of roles over the years. Still, she spent the bulk of her career working in payroll and as secretary for the Maintenance Department at Phillips Display Components factory in Ottawa, Ohio, until her retirement in 1989. All who worked alongside her respected her diligence, attention to detail, and strong work ethic.

A woman of unwavering Christian faith, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She lived her life with quiet grace and deep compassion, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her home was a haven of hospitality and kindness. Her family remembers her gentle strength and the values she instilled—faith, humility, patience, and unconditional love.

Surviving are two children: Janis Winkle of Continental and Jeffrey Marsh of Scottsdale, Arizona. She was beloved by her two granddaughters, Kristin (Aaron) Beck of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kelly (Anthony) Tegenkamp of Continental. Her two great-grandsons, Quinn and Reid Tegenkamp of Continental, brought the biggest smiles to her face and immeasurable joy to her heart. Her faithful canine companion Carl was by her side until the very end.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Helen (Elmer) Kornblum; her brother-in-law, William Marsh; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rita (Clement) Rainaldi; and her nephew, Doug (Becky) Guilliam.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carolee Littell; three nephews, Mike Marsh, David Marsh, and Jay Rainaldi; and one niece, Heather Rudduck, along with many friends.

Betty had many passions and talents that brought joy to others. She loved to sew, host tea parties, and create beautiful handmade greeting cards. Her creativity and thoughtfulness were apparent in every detail of the life she shared with family and friends. Betty had a deep love for scripture and lived out her beliefs daily in the way she cared for others. She was a devoted volunteer in her community, faithfully helping with monthly birthday parties at a local nursing home and serving in various ministries at the Continental United Methodist Church and North Mount Zion Church over the years. Betty was also an active member of the Continental CCL Club and the Continental Education Club, where her love for learning and connection with others continued throughout her life.

The family will receive visitors at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental, on Friday, May 9th, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 10th, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Brent Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental.

Memorial contributions may be made in Betty's memory to the Putnam County Homecare and Hospice or the Continental branch of the Putnam County District Library.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all those blessed to know her.

Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

Putnam County Homecare and Hospice
575 OG Road Suite 3, PO Box 312, Ottawa OH 45875
Tel: 1-419-523-4449
Web: http://www.pchh.net

Putnam County District Library (Continental Branch)
136 Putnam Parkway, Ottawa OH 45875