May 3, 1922-May 31, 2012
Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Brenneman, 90, of Delphos died at 2:45 p.m. Thursday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
She was born May 3, 1922, in Marion Township to Roy W. and Breta V. (Foust) Humphreys, who preceded her in death.
On Oct. 30, 1942, she married Nile M. Brenneman, who died on Dec. 25, 2001.
Survivors include a son, Tom (Bobbie) Brenneman of Delphos; a daughter, Judith (Steve) Fisher of New Castle, Colo.; a sister, Evelyn Mason of Lima; three sisters-in-law, Catherine Gerdemann of Delphos, Betty Blauser of Troy and Carrie (Ken) Lichius of Cullman, Ala.; five grandchildren, Tony (Dee Dee) Fisher of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Todd (Wendy) Fisher of Porter Corners, N.Y., Sandra (Doug) Knauf of Canton, James (Elizabeth) Brenneman of Alexandria, Va., and Jason (Linda) Brenneman of Madison, N.J.; nine great-grandchildren, Kalie (David) Herth of Buffalo, Wyo., Cameron (Natasha Whiting) Fisher of Salt Lake City, Utah, Riley, Gabrielle and Charlotte Knauf of Canton, Lindsay Brenneman of Madison, N. J. and Myles, Karis and Brandon Fisher of Porter Corners; two great-great-grandchildren, Bentley Fisher of Salt Lake City and Jaden Herth of Buffalo, Wyo.; two stepgrandchildren, Niki (Craig) Holcomb of Gomer and Chad (Susan) Bryan, of Elida; and four stepgreat grandchildren, Trevor and Danielle Crouch and Dylan and Cody Bryan.
She was also preceded in death by a son, David Joseph Brenneman; and daughter-in-law, Vivian (Kill) Brenneman. During World War II, Mrs. Brenneman worked as a dental assistant and at Myers Cleaners. She was a 1940 graduate of Delphos Jefferson High School. She was a 60-year member of Morris Chapel United Methodist Church and when it was closed in 1995, she became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Delphos. While at Morris Chapel, she taught Sunday School, was a leader of Epworth League, was on the Counselor Team for Youth Fellowship and was a counselor for Winter Retreats at Camp Wesley. She served as president of Lima District United Methodist Women and as secretary of Lima District United Methodist Women. She was a 15-year leader of 4-H Merry Cloverettes and spent 35 years on the election board of Marion West. In 1950, she was selected as the Allen County Farmwife of the year.
She was a member of the Chapter #26 of Eastern Star, where she held many stations in the chapter and served as Worthy Matron in 1995, along side her son, Tom, as Worthy Patron. She was the first person to receive a Shining Star Award from the Delphos Chapter. She was always helping the needy and started helping the migrant workers which led to the formation of the Thrift Shop in Delphos sponsored by the Church Women United. She helped sort and repair clothing and clerked. She recruited workers and was phone chairman. As health and age slowed her down, she started writing the “Thrift Shop News” for the Delphos Herald, keeping the community informed of current happenings at the Thrift Shop.
She always looked forward to visits from her family. She loved to cook, bake and make candy. Her favorite recipes are still in use by her children and grandchildren as well as her friends in the community. Her generous and loving spirit will be missed by those who knew her.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, the Rev. David Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Harter and Schier Memorial Chapel, where an Eastern Star service begins at 8 p.m.; and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Preferred memorials are to Trinity United Methodist Church Building Fund and Interfaith Thrift Shop.
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