Betty Priscilla Marzke, age 88, of 882 Thurston Road, Meadville, PA died peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2010 at Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA. She had resided in Meadville since 1941. Betty was born on January 5, 1922 in Cambridge Springs, PA, the daughter of Roland McDuff and Inez Mickle McDuff. After graduating from Cambridge Springs High School in 1939, Betty went to Erie Beauty Academy and graduated a year later. She then worked as a beautician in Meadville and in Greenville until her marriage to Eugene C. Marzke on September 20, 1941. Following her marriage she was employed for a year as a key punch operator at Talon, Inc. in Meadville. Then in 1943 she joined her husband, in Cleveland, Ohio, who was serving in the US Navy at the time.
Mrs. Marzke was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Meadville for over 60 years where she enjoyed being part of the Church’s Women’s Love Circle. Betty did volunteer work at Meadville Medical Center for 15 years and was a lifetime member of the John Brown Historical Society where she served as secretary for 15 years. Betty also was a member of the Elks BPO # 219 Ladies Auxiliary of Meadville and a member of the Friendly Couples Golf League in Meadville for over 10 years. Mrs. Marzke was proud of her Scottish heritage and made several trips to Scotland as well as to Nova Scotia. One of her enjoyable activities was reading. Betty was a quiet, but fun loving person who was well liked by all who knew her.
Survivors in addition to her husband, Eugene, of 69 years include four children -Diane Gibbs and her husband, Bruce of Olney, MD; Pat Hazel and her husband, Doug of Broad Run, VA; David Marzke and his wife, Linda of New Castle, PA; and Kim Marzke of Meadville; five grandchildren – Brian Gibbs, Dani Gibbs, Lindsey Hazel, Jeff Hazel, and Brandon Marzke; two sisters – Celia Thayer and Jean Miller; and two brothers – Frank McDuff and Larry McDuff. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were two brothers – Roland McDuff and Stanley McDuff; and two sisters – March Gray and Linda DeLoss.
Friends and relatives will be received at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend services there on Friday morning at 11:00. Reverend Dr. Brian Jensen, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, will officiate. Will officiate. Interment will be in Millers Station Cemetery, Rockdale Township. Memorials may be made to the John Brown Society, J B Heritage Assoc., 291 Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.
On behalf of the Shelvey family, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you Diane, and the rest of your family. Remember, you always have the memories and no one can take them away from you. Betty is only a memory away. God’s richest blessings to all of you.
To Dave and all the Marzke family, you have my sincere sympathy. I know she was well-respected and loved by all of you and those who knew her. My thoughts are with you.
I was sorry to read of your loss in today’s paper. Betty was part of the wonderful, active generation at First Presbyterian Church when I came in 1965. She served quietly and cheerfully when and where she could, which I greatly appreciated – especially getting her children involved in church and choir! I truly regret being unable to attend the calling hours, for it would have been good to talk with you and to honor her.
With sympathy and prayers,
Becky
You have our smypathy on the passing of your Wife Betty Marzke.