Betty C. Engelhard

Betty Clare Engelhard

(April 8, 1931 - September 9, 2023)

Betty Clare (Straehle) Engelhard, of Unionville, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother left this vale of tears for her heavenly home Saturday, September 9th at the age of 92 years.

Betty, the second daughter of Gilbert and Frances (May) Straehle, was born on April 8, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan.  She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Nativity Lutheran Church in Detroit.

She moved to Unionville as a teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School, and one Sunday, Lavern Engelhard noticed a cute young lady playing the organ for church and thought he should get to know her.  Betty and Lavern were married on February 7, 1953 at Nativity Lutheran Church in Detroit.  Betty served at St. Paul for many years as a teacher, organist, and church and school secretary.

In Betty's earlier years, she was passionate and thorough about her church and farm paperwork that earned her the C.B. handle "Office Lady". In her later years, Betty kept informed and actively alert on her iPad and IPhone.

Betty is survived by her son, Dennis Engelhard of Unionville, and her daughter, Annette (James) Skibbe of North Judson, Indiana.   Also left to celebrate her life are her grandchildren, Marissa Engelhard of Osage Beach, Missouri, Nathan (Amy) Engelhard of Unionville, Kayla (Trevor) Budewitz of Dubuque, Iowa, and Kimberlyn (Bryan) Thomas of Valparaiso, Indiana. Betty was also blessed to be the great-grandmother of Lawson, Jordana, Madeline, and Amelia Engelhard.  Betty is also survived by her sister, Marjorie McCormick of Flat Rock, Cindy Engelhard of Unionville, and a loving group of nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lavern, her parents, great grandchild Baby Engelhard, her sister and brother-in-law, Eleanore and Edward Breitmeyer of Unionville, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie and Donald Stoll of Saginaw.

Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 on Monday, September 18, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Unionville.  The funeral service will start at 12pm.

Interment will follow at Demorest Cemetery in Akron.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Paul Lutheran Church, Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw or St. Peter Lutheran School in North Judson, Indiana.