Betty J. Nussbaum, 80, of Ontario, passed away Tuesday morning, March 14, 2017, at her home.
She was born Oct. 4, 1936, in Lucas, Ohio, to the late George and Pauline (Flenner) Smith.
She graduated from Lucas High School in 1954. Her love of children was a perfect fit for her 35-year career as an Administrative Assistant, beginning with Ontario Local Schools and ending with her retirement from Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center.
In her earlier years, she worked for Braniff Airlines in Kansas City before becoming a permanent Ohio resident. A loving, kind, patient, and generous woman, she was the center of her family. Betty lived a well-ordered life and was gracious to all she met.
Betty’s giving nature extended to volunteering at Mansfield Christian Elementary School Cafeteria and OhioHealth Gift Shop. She was a member of Ontario United Methodist Church.
Betty was independent and always active. Her favorite way to spend time included golfing, reading, and being at Lake Erie. She enjoyed watching sports on television and on the bleachers watching her grandchildren.
Of course, the most special memories came from spending time with her family and friends. She felt blessed to have so many loved ones living near her, allowing her to be very active in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by three daughters, Peggy (Gary) Cooper, Janet (Sam) VanCura and Carla (Bix) Sluss, all of Ontario; eight grandchildren, Jodi (Matt) Wentz, of Mansfield, Adam (April) Cooper, of Cincinnati, Kelly (Tom) Scholl, of Columbus, Tim (Cassie) VanCura, of Lexington, Chase VanCura, of Mexico City, Grant Sluss, of Mansfield, Megan (Justin) Joseph and Austin Sluss, of Columbus; and 11 great-grandchildren, Cooper, Jaci, Cori, and Canaan Wentz, Reggie, Willa, and Penny Cooper, Carson, Braxton, and Riley Scholl and Carmen VanCura. Betty is also survived by a sister, Marge Smith, of Lucas; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith, of Mansfield; a brother-in-law, Dan Iceman, of Mansfield; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Carl W. Nussbaum; four brothers, Robert, Charles, Donald and Kenneth Smith; and two sisters, Bessie Smith and Shirley Iceman.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Rev. David Root will follow at noon. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mansfield Memorial Park at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Foundation.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
