Betty Blakley

Betty L.Brusch Blakley passed away Sunday, October 2, 2011 in Hamilton, Ohio. She was born June 22, 1924 to Mildred Grieser Brusch and Walter G. Brusch. Betty was educated at St. Peter’s School and Hamilton High School. At Hamilton High she participated in public speaking and debate, graduating in 1942 as salutatorian of her class. Betty graduated from Miami University in 1945, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She began teaching in the Piqua Ohio schools and later in the public and parochical schools of Hamilton, retiring in 1995. On December 28, 1948 she was united in marriage to Mark R. Blakley at Christ the King in Hyde Park and they shared 61 years together. She was a member of St. Peter’s Church, active in the Ministry of Praise and a former lay distributor. For many years she volunteered at St. Raphael’s Convent and worked with Sisters Celestine and Mary Catherine. Betty presented many book reviews to Schroder Manor residents sharing topics of history, politics and current events. On May 18, 2000 at the Annual Dinner of the American Association of University Women she received a plaque honoring her as a 50 year member. She was active on their board and chaired the Education Committee which awarded scholarships to young women. Betty worked with the Friends of Lane Public Library promoting their summer programs. She was active in the Current Events Club and the Current Literature Group which has met monthly for 50 years. Surviving are her beloved daughters, Susan Huls of Cincinnati, Sally (Dr. William Hogan) of Seattle, Barbara of Fairfield, Mary (Paul Shaffstall) of Golden Colorado and Betsy (Doug Amend) of Cincinnati; grandchildren Holly (Tom Holmes) of Sausalito CA., Mark Amend of Cincinnati, Matthew Amend of Cincinnati and Adam Shaffstall, serving in the U.S. Army; brother, Retired Col. Walter Brusch (Marty) of Houston, Texas and sister-in-law, Betty Weisenbach (Springfield) and Edna Mae (Bill Wynn). Preceding her in death, her husband, Mark, infant son, Mark R., her parents, her sister, Marjorie and son-in-law, Ken Huls. If desired memorials may be directed to Mercy Franciscan at Schroder, Hospice of Cincinnati, Badin High School or Animal Adoption Foundation of Hamilton, 2480 Ross-Millville Road.Visitation will be at Schroder Manor, 1302 Millville Ave., Hamilton on Saturday, October 8 from 9:30 AM to time of services at 10:30 AM . Burial in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Online condolences to www.colliganfuneralhome.com