Betty Ann Render

Betty Ann (Berry) Render, 94, passed away peacefully the morning of Saturday, August 8th, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 22, 1931, in Addison, Ohio, Betty was the daughter of J. Earl and Marguerite E. (Rood) Berry. As a young girl, some of her happiest memories were living with her grandparents, John Harrison and Anna Belle (Switzer) Berry, in Addison, Ohio, a place that always held a special place in her heart and upbringing.

Betty shared an extraordinary love story with her husband, Ronald P. Render. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, hard work, and family, celebrating 61 years of marriage before Ron’s passing in 2013. They created a loving home despite many work-related transfers. From Ohio to Memphis, to Pittsburgh, to Kinston, North Carolina, and back again, they eventually settled in Valparaiso, Indiana, where they lived for 35 years. Following Ron’s passing, Betty again returned to Ohio, settling in Dover to be closer to the family she cherished. She often quoted the Broadway musical Wonderful Town: “Oh why, oh why oh, did I ever leave Ohio?”

She was the proud mother of Randall A. Render; Julie (Michael) Danner; Cynthia (John) Rademacher; and Robert P. (Tammy) Render.

She was a loving grandmother to Anna (Patrick) Graham, Mae (Mike) Beitzel, Adam (Carly) Danner, Phillip (Kelly) Render, Peter Render, John Render, Zachariah Render, Sara Render, and Dacoda Render. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Miles and Marshall Beitzel, Asher Danner, Nolan and Luke Render, William and Ella Render, Madden Chek, with another great-granddaughter expected in January 2027.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald P. Render; her parents, J. Earl and Marguerite Berry; her parents-in-law, Claudis O. and Ruth Maree (Tichenor) Render; her grandson, Christopher Chek; and her great-grandson, Caleb Kelley.

Throughout her life, Betty was known for her strong work ethic. After graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School, she worked as a Bell Telephone switchboard operator. Later she served her community as both a school bus driver and special needs bus aide, caring for countless children with kindness and dedication. She delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need and made many new friends in Welcome Wagon groups wherever she moved.

Adventure was woven into Betty’s soul. As proud members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, she and Ron traveled together through 48 states and Canada, logging more than 600,000 miles on their motorcycle. The miles they shared created a lifetime of memories and friendships.

Long before those travels, Betty had a passion for dance. She studied at the Charles Boyd School of Dance in Cuyahoga Falls and, as a young woman, even auditioned for the world-famous Radio City Rockettes—an accomplishment that reflected both her talent and determination. She also enjoyed driving, clogging, playing cards, mall walking, and shopping with friends.

Above all else, Betty’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She often said her greatest achievement was her 61-year marriage and the four children she and Ron raised together. Her legacy lives on through the generations that followed, each carrying a part of her strength, love, and resilience.

Those who knew Betty will forever remember her cheerful outlook and her words of wisdom: “Always stay busy,” and “You can keep having birthdays darlin—just don’t get old.” When someone would ask Betty how she was doing her answer would always be “Not too bad for an ol’ broad.” She lived those words every day, embracing life with energy, humor, and an unwavering love for those around her.

Betty’s life was one of devotion, perseverance, adventure, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, her example will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.

The family would like to thank her caregivers, Audrey Fugate, Dee Jackson, Renee Dumas, Emily Bracone, and Danielle and Brynn Goedel. Your care and devotion to our Mom and Grandma meant so much to all of us. Also, the doctors and nurses at the Truman House, thank you for the amazing care you gave her.

Services will be held at Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio, where the cremated remains of Ron and Betty will be laid to rest. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.

Donations can be made in Betty’s honor to Hospice or the Wounded Warrior Project Foundation.

Just remember, she grabbed her pocketbook, opened the front door, and said, “My family is waiting on me, and I need to go.”