Shirley Betkoski

Shirley (Erdos) Betkoski, 87, of Kent passed away on January 22, 2025.

She was born July 4, 1937, in Stow, the middle child of the late William and Mary Erdos (Liptak). Her family is steeped in the history of Stow. Her grandmother was one of the last private owners of the house presently known as the Heritage House now located on Young Road in Silver Springs Park and currently owned by the Stow Historical society. Shirley was born there.

Shirley graduated from Roosevelt High School where she served as class officer, student government representative, as well as being a member of the honor society and scholarship team. Her education continued at Kent State University where in three years she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and continued her interest in singing as a member of the university choir. It was also at Kent State University where she first met classmate Marie (Didato) Amato, who became a life-long friend. It was a friendship that continued for over six decades and one that saw them celebrate New Years Eve every single year with their respective spouses.

Shirley’s early professional teaching career included four years with the Kent City School District and four years with the Plain School District in Stark County. After raising her two sons, she returned to teaching and subsequently taught at St. Patrick’s School in Kent for twenty-six years where her creative interests were magnified by her directorship of the school’s theater arts programs.

Even though Shirley was dedicated to her family and profession, she found time to serve two terms as president of the Kent Junior Women’s Club and was elected the first president of the Irene Shrewsberry Auxiliary for Men and Women to assist the Shrewsberry Home and School for the Handicapped in Ravenna, Ohio. She also participated as a member of the Sweet Adelines Singing Group, served as a cantor at St. Patrick’s Church and mentored youth as a Four-H club advisor.

Shirley enjoyed singing, scrapbooking, tutoring, collecting Santa Clauses, watching her beloved Cleveland Browns, Guardians and Cavs, as well as being part of the interests and activities of her grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, sister Rose Marie (Angelo), brother-in-law Anthony Angelo, brother Donald, and nephew Paul. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Joseph; her sons William (Valerie) of Marietta, Ohio and Brian of Kent; sister-in-law Bernadine (Swicklick) Betkoski of Wanamie, PA; grandchildren Tracy (Cory) Orr and Ellen Betkoski of Marietta, Ohio, Daniel (Elena) Betkoski of Elgin, SC, and Jaret Betkoski of Columbus, OH. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren Cooper, Rozalyn, Payton and Allie, nephews Eric (Shelly) Erdos of Stow, James Angelo of North Canton and Stanley Betkoski of Shickshinney, PA and nieces Carolyn Angelo of Twinsburg and Melissa (Alby) Zaborney of Wanamie PA.

In honoring her wishes, Shirley will be cremated and a private graveside service will be held for the family at Standing Rock Cemetery.

Cremation services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.