Elizabeth Ruth "Bettye" Gindraw

1919 - 2014

Elizabeth Ruth Gindraw "Bettye"

Elizabeth Ruth Gindraw "Bettye" passed away peacefully Sunday, June 1, 2014. Bettye was born in Tampa, Florida on October 5, 1919 to Edward and Katie Brockton Herring. She was the youngest of three children.

Bettye met and married Frank W. Gindraw, Sr. while he was stationed in Tampa. He brought her home to Akron, Ohio in 1945. Bettye loved helping people therefore, attended the Akron School of Practical Nursing and graduated in 1959. She began working at City Hospital and later at the Veteran's Hospital, Brecksville, Ohio where she retired in 1985.

Bettye was very active in many organizations; a member of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Alpha Mu Chapter where she served as Chapter President, Eastern Star Mary Chapter #47, Past Worthy Matron, Al Kaf Court #144 Daughters of Isis, Past Commandress, El Zerrubbabel Court #5, Herones of Jericho, Past Most Ancient Matron, Loyal Lady Ruler of Bezaleel Assembly #19, Cleveland, Ohio.

A faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church for over sixty years, Bettye served as secretary and was on the Deaconess and Mothers' Boards. Bettye also donated the wheelchair ramp to the church which is used by many. She enjoyed traveling and shopping.

Bettye spent her later years at The Garden of Western Reserve Assisted Living until she made her transition. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Katie Herring; aunt, Pinky (who raised her after her parents died); husband of 53 years, Frank W. Gindraw, Sr.; sons, Eric Keith Gindraw and Donald Edward Gindraw.

Bettye, known as Meema to her grandchildren was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Antoinette Y. Gindraw of Washington, D.C.; son, Frank W. (Claudia) Gindraw of Richfield, Ohio; five grandchildren, Teeha A (Trai) Folks; Tisha A. Gindraw, Frank W. (Pattie) Gindraw III, all of Akron, Ohio, Synora (Allan) Parker and Eric D. (Isola) Willis, both of Cleveland, Ohio; seven great-grandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild; brother-in-law, Jimmy Turneur; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

Service will be held Monday, June 9, 2014 at 12 Noon at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1241 Grant St., Akron, OH 44301, Rev. Curtis Minter eulogizing and Rev. Dr. Luther C. Cooper officiating. Entombment Northlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service. Eastern Star Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Procession will form at 4280 Oviatt Rd., Richfield, OH 44286 and 1002 Packard Dr., Akron, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to 4280 Oviatt Rd., Richfield, OH 44286.