Betty O'Leary

Betty O’Leary, 95, of Connersville, died Thursday morning, December 15, 2011, at her residence where she had resided for 47 years. Betty was a Connersville native, born August 11, 1916 to Arthur and Ethel Koch Thomas and was a 1934 graduate of Connersville High School. She had been employed at American Central and was a waitress at the White Cottage, A & J and the Kings’ Inn, all in Connersville. Betty enjoyed living life to the fullest and was a very special lady. She was an avid sports fan and liked to travel, read, cook and visit the casino boats. Betty was a ‘Mother’ to all as her love and concern for her family was most important. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Gold Star Wives and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years. Betty is survived by her daughters: Betty Jo Schuler and her husband, Paul of The Villages, Florida, Patricia O’Leary of Connersville with whom she had made her home; seven grandchildren: Robert Joe Campbell of Greenfield, Karen Day of Connersville, Robin Campbell of Whiteland, Brett Campbell of St. Louis, Missouri, Joseph Somers of Chicago, Illinois, Matthew Somers of Twinsburg, Ohio, Tara Stark of Noblesville; 16 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, with another expected soon; her niece: Cheryl Sucher of Cincinnati, Ohio; her nephews: James McDonough of Marlette, Michigan, Thomas Durfee of Cathedral City, California; all of her beloved caretakers, including: Rosalie Baker, Frances Dickey, Lori Wilson, Martha and Brian Pollitt. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her son: Richard Somers; her daughter: Pamela Kay O’Leary; two husbands: Joseph Somers and Patrick O’Leary; two sisters: Evelyn Durfee and Martha McDonough. Private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Aunt Betty O’Leary Scholarship Fund at McAuley High School, Cincinnati, Ohio or to the American Heart Association. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.