Bette Ann (DeSalvo) Damron, age 78, of Shelby, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 at the home which she shared with her husband, Frank, for 57 years. Throughout her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s she continued to love and appreciate her family, friends, and caregivers as they journeyed with her.
Bette was born April 11, 1946 in Shelby to the late Augustine L. “Gus” and Anne M. (Lanni) DeSalvo. A 1964 graduate of Shelby High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen, Bette continued her education at North Central Technical College earning an associate degree in nursing. For 27 years, Bette cared for patients as a Registered Nurse.
Bette loved being a wife, mother, and grandma. Her love and dedication to her family was unmatched and she leaves a beautiful legacy behind. On August 19, 1967 she married Franklin Delano Damron. Frank survives along with their daughters: Dawn Yates and Deanie (Todd) Kehres both of Shelby; grandchildren: Zach (Cheyenne) Yates, Brennan (Sarah) Yates, Tristan Kehres, Brock Kehres (Holly), and Ethan Yates (Kelsey); great grandchildren: Hadley, Georgia, and Lander; sisters: Helen Damron and Sandra DeSalvo; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Bette was preceded in death by a son: Luke Damron; and infant brother: Daniel Louis DeSalvo.
Our family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease brough new lessons to us all. We re-learned the value of patience, the strength of unconditional love, and the beauty of cherishing each moment. We tried to laugh more than we cried; but failed some days- miserably. That’s when God, our faith, and close friends held us up. We were blessed with caregivers we could not have lived without: Stephanie Smith, Lynn Brook, Monica Stanford, and Susie Martinez Radivic.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a prayer service will take place at 6:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where Bette was a lifelong member, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will officiate the services with burial following in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters for the benefit of the basketball program. Contributions may be left in the care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be left on Bette’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Funeral Home: Penwell Turner Funeral Home
Website: PenwellTurner.com