Bette "Betsy" Buffington

Bette "Betsy" L. Buffington, 75, of Genoa, Ohio passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. Bette was born on December 13, 1950, in Toledo, Ohio to Roger and Betty (Weyandt) Oberhaus. She was the third of seven siblings. Bette was a 1968 graduate of Genoa Area High School and married Wilbur "Willie" Buffington on July 11, 1970. They had four children, including a surprise set of triplets. Bette devoted much of her life to nurturing others. For many years, the Buffington family home served as a welcoming place for neighborhood children, as she provided daycare and a safe place for them to gather before and after school. As her children grew up, their house became the place to gather and hang out. Many tales were told surrounding a bonfire or simple tv show. Football, The Ohio State Buckeyes in particular, was a much anticipated subject. Bette enjoyed watching the Buckeyes play and always cheered them on. GO BUCKS!

In her earlier years, Bette worked in Genoa at Cashen's IGA and later Vogel's IGA. She also worked in the activities department at Americare nursing home. In later years, she was employed at The Andersons General Store at the Woodville Mall, where she worked for 25 years as a cashier, customer service specialist, and eventually as a cashier supervisor. Bette was active in her community and church. Bette was a girl scout through her childhood and remained a member for 29 years, serving as her daughter's co-leader and enjoying 12 years of scouting with her and "her girls" Bette was so very proud of all of them. She even took 19 girls to Washington DC on a trip during their sixth-grade year. She was a lifelong member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Genoa and was also a member of the Mother of Twins Club. She generously volunteered her time helping with blood drives for the American Red Cross, was a strong supporter of the American Heart Association and spent many years advocating for the United Way. Bette especially loved Halloween and everything about it. Each October she embraced the season by carving countless pumpkins, wearing pumpkin-themed clothing throughout the month and preparing her families famous homemade popcorn balls to share with neighborhood children and adults on Halloween night.

One of Bette's greatest joys were her grandchildren. She loved nothing better than an outing with the kids ending in a pit-stop to get ice cream with everyone. There wasn't anything a hot fudge sundae couldn't fix. Bette is survived by her children, Jennifer (David) Fry, Patrick (Sarah) Buffington, Russell (Jacki) Buffington, and Lisa (Tyler Wise) Buffington, grandchildren, Anthony, Maddie, Sophie, Alexander, Orion, John, Gus, Alena, Lizzy, Grant, Tristan and Carter; along with a great-granddaughter, Gianna on the way; and many loving family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, and two of her siblings. 

The family will receive friends at Robinson Walker Funeral Home, 501 West Street, Genoa, Monday, March 23, 2026, from 2:00 pm - 7:00pm. Additional visitation Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 10:00 am until funeral service at 11:00 am in St. John's United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington Street Genoa. Interment: Clay Township Cemetery. A potluck luncheon will be provided at the church following interment. Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.