BETTY R. DUNCAN

She was born on February 19, 1918 in Greene County, PA and was the daughter of the late Oscar Richard Smith and Ova Violet Roberts Smith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Edwin Duncan; her brothers, Thomas Smith, John Smith, Fred Smith and Jim Smith, and her sisters Jane Park, Jean Johnson, Margaret LeMasters and Mildred Courtright.

Betty began her career as a seamstress at Stewart’s Department Store in Baltimore, MD. She went on to become the director of the dietary department at Springfield Hospital in Sykesville, MD, where she served for 19 years. In retirement, she dedicated her life to family and caring for those around her as a member of Concord Presbyterian Church in Centerville, where she served as a deacon for four years. At age 75, she went to work for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities where she spent 14 years as a care provider. She officially retired at the age of 89. An inspiration to all, she remained independent and in good health for 100 years, spending her most recent years enjoying visits from her family and friends, watching the birds, Fox News and football.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Surviving are her four children, Patricia Kay (Duane) Moore of Centerville, Deanna (Henry) Furman of Salisbury, MD, Lynda Joyce Duncan of St. Clairsville, Ohio and Michael Edwin (Grace) Duncan of Belmont; her sister, Katie Crow of New Martinsville, WV; her sister-in-law, Miriam Smith; 10 grandchildren including Deborah (Kevin) McFarland, Michael Duane (Michelle) Moore, Rebecca Moore, Daniel (Missy) Duncan, Cherie Duncan, Kim (Doug) Smith, William (Theresa) Edmondson, Denise (Mark) Sparks, Lori (Kevin) Starkey, Niki (Kevin) Mullinix Perris; 20 great-grandchildren including Molly (Larry) Daniels, Brandon (Elissa) McFarland, Maureen (Cory) Work, Matthew (Caitlin) Moore, James Moore, Kathleen Montgomery, Samuel Montgomery, Cierra (Ian) Duncan, Bryan (Valene) Mason, Zachary (Amy) Mason, Johnna Lynn, Cheyenne Smith, Heidi (Anthony) Lucas, Garrett Smith, Gordon Smith, Connor Starkey, Jack Starkey, Kenzie Perris, Kylee Perris and Kennedy Perris; and 13 great-great-grandchildren including McKenna Daniels, Jameson Daniels, Aleena McFarland, Alexia McFarland, Novah Duncan, Luna Murphy, Maddox Mason, Vada Mason, Cameron Smith, Logan Smith, Aayla Smith, Natalie Schau, and her 14th great-great-grandchild is due on her birthday, February 19, 2020. In addition to many, many nieces and nephews.

We always knew, but we realize more now, that no matter how many more years we had with her, it would never have been enough. Gong, as many called her, was a constant in all our lives and a source of unconditional love. She was gentle, kind, strong and the rock of our entire family. Someone once described her as the next best thing to an angel on Earth, and to all of us, she certainly was. Despite our large family, Gong never failed to make each of us feel like the most important person in the world.

Family and friends will be received at Toothman Funeral Home in Jacobsburg, Ohio on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Visitation will be held again on Saturday at the Concord Presbyterian Church in Centerville on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Karen Byrne officiating. Burial will follow in Concord Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Concord Presbyterian Church, Jacobsburg, Ohio.