Russell Betz

Russell 'Russ' Dean Betz, 77, of Mansfield, died Saturday, November 17, 2007 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born January 17, 1930 in Mansfield, Ohio, he was the son of Frank and Katherine Gangle Betz. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1949. As a young man, he worked as a homebuilder with his father and brother. Russell retired from Tappan in 1992 and was a member of the Quarter Century Club. He was the 'king of his castle' and a master tinkerer who enjoyed his basement workshop.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie McClure Betz, whom he married June 10, 1978; children, Karen Bill Utt of Sebring, FL, Lauren Betz of Southaven, MS, and Cathy Keith Carroll of Ashland, OH; stepchildren, Deborah Grant Ingram of CA, Karen Keiser of GA, and Joe Gloria Keiser of TX; nine grandchildren, William and Michelle Utt, Jarrod and Cory Carroll, Luke Miller, Shane Mullins, Andrea, Jackie and Cateline Keiser; two brothers, Harold Joanne Betz of Kansas City, MO and Edward Lea Betz of Johnson City, TN; and two sisters, Adeline Gernhart of Marco Island, FL and Janet Lyons of Winterville, NC. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Mary Edith Nixon Betz; granddaughter, Jennifer Rose; parents; brothers, Robert, Frank and Raymond Betz; and sister, Mary Fran Miller.

Graveside services were held Monday, November 19 at 11:30 a.m. at Mansfield Memorial Park. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors assisted the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805.