Elizabeth C. Stephenson

Elizabeth C.

STEPHENSON



Mrs. Elizabeth C. “Betty“ Stephenson, 98, formerly of Reno, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2008 in Trumbull Memorial Hospital, Warren, Ohio.

She was born July 13, 1910, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, a daughter of John and Bertha Yost. Betty graduated from Cortland High School in 1927 at the age of 16 and enrolled in the Cleveland Beauty School. She began her career as a beautician, and in 1938, opened her own shop in Warren, Ohio. That same year she married her husband, Clifford “Red“ Stephenson. Betty moved to Reno in 1963 and worked for many years in the gift shop at what was then the Holiday Hotel, now the Sienna. She also became hairdresser and confidant to the women of Reno, this time working out of her home. During her years in Reno, she often volunteered her amazing baby-sitting skills to any parent with children who needed a caring hand, and all those children, whether related or not, eventually took to calling her “Aunt Betty“ as well.

After Red passed away in 1980 she became a tireless volunteer with the Lupus Foundation and a steadfast contributor to the poker machines at the Gold Dust. In 2001, at the age of 91, Betty moved to Kinsman, Ohio to live with her niece, Jeanne Woodward, and her husband, Cal. After her move to Kinsman, her many friends and family were overjoyed to travel from all over the country to share her 95th birthday celebration with her at her new home. It was truly a party to remember, and a chance for all her “kids“ to show her how much they loved her.

Besides her parents and husband, her three sisters, Mary Esposito, Grace Robinson, and Dorothy Irwin preceded her in death. Betty and Red never had children of their own, but she was the beloved, favorite aunt to generations. Her niece, Susanne Stephenson, her husband, Bob Sinnett and children, Christopher and Sara Sinnett of Reno survive her. Her dear friend, Helen Handy of Reno and nieces and nephew, Rachael Bruce, Elaine Abdallah and Scott Schultz of California, and their families will also miss her, as well as niece, Rhonda Lockwood of Gainesville, Florida. She also leaves behind many friends and family members in Ohio, including Jeanne and Cal.

Per her wishes, no service is planned. McFarland and Son Funeral Home, Warren, Ohio is in charge of arrangements. Please share your memories and condolences at funeralplan.com/mcfarland.