Elizabeth M. Gleason

Elizabeth M. (Betty) (nee More) Gleason, age 99, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 in LaGrange, Ohio, due to Covid-19, having experienced the joys, challenges and sorrows of a member of America’s Greatest Generation.  
Betty was born on April 14, 1921 in South Amherst, Ohio, to John and Anna (Chizmar) More and grew up on the family farm, graduating from Brownhelm High School in 1939 as class salutatorian.  Graduation from the Oberlin School of Commerce followed in 1940.  On April 12, 1941, she married Russell C. Gleason of Elyria, Ohio in Oxford, Ohio, upon his graduation from Miami University.  When Russ returned from service in the US. Navy following World War II, Betty and Russ acquired property in LaGrange Township, where they settled down and together built the home where they would live and raise three children.  
After many years as a stay-at-home wife and mother, Betty was employed for the next twenty years at the Elyria Savings and Trust Co.  Known for her friendliness, accuracy and competency in working with customers and colleagues, she was honored in 1979 as Secretary of the Year.
Family and home were always the most important things for Betty and, following her retirement, she and Russ found great enjoyment in gardening, observing the wildlife around their rural home, and supporting and encouraging the activities of their children and grandchildren.  She was famous among the family for her cooking and baking expertise, with her pies, chicken paprikash, holiday walnut nut rolls and cookies being special favorites.  Whatever time of year it was, the grandkids always knew to look in Grandma’s freezer for ice cream treats!  She unfailingly acknowledged and encouraged their accomplishments, whether they were in the realm of academics, sports, music or service to others.  
Betty was a longtime member of the LaGrange United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, helped with church lunches and bake sales, and enjoyed her volunteer activities at Wesleyan Village in Elyria.  In addition, she gained much pleasure over the years from her friends and activities in the Needlers Club of LaGrange.  
Elizabeth is survived by her daughters, Betty Tecco of Ann Arbor, MI, Bonnie (Bob) Smigelski of Grand Rapids, OH, and Brenda (Ken) Yuronich of LaGrange, OH, as well as five grandchildren, Steve (Cindy) and David (Molly) Smigelski, Ryan (Meredith) Tecco, and Gregory (Lynn) and Bradley (Brittney) Yuronich, and ten great-grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Elliot, Alex and Simon Smigelski, Jonah and Freya Tecco, and Jameson, Gwen and Gavin Yuronich.
She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Russell, in 1990, as well as her parents, brothers, Alex and John More, sister, Jenny Bill, and granddaughter, Kara Tecco.
Due to the Covid pandemic, no memorial services will be scheduled at this time.  Memorial contributions may be made to the LaGrange Methodist Church—Sanctuary Renovation Fund, 105 W. Main Street, LaGrange, Ohio 44050. Arrangements are being handled by the Duke Funeral Home 1021 Main St. Grafton. On-line condolences may be left at www.dukefuneralhome.com

 

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