Mary E. “Betty” Held, 89, of Cambridge Springs died peacefully on January 23, 2022. Betty was born at home in Woodcock boro on September 6, 1932, the daughter of the late Theodore Rust and Gertrude Agnes Swift Rust. After graduating from Cambridge Springs High School in 1950, she married Paul A. “Dude” Held, Jr on December 21, 1950. For over thirty years Betty was employed with the former Mellon Bank in Cambridge Springs. She was a faithful, lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Cambridge Springs and served as Sunday school teacher, youth group director, and church treasurer. She and her husband Dude provided horses for Camp Judson in North Springfield, PA for over thirty years and were active members of The Gideons International. Betty was known for her hospitality and as a humble, dedicated servant of the Lord who thoroughly enjoyed the company of her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband Dude, who died on February 11, 2011, Betty was preceded in death by grandson Aaron Jardina, brothers Glenn and Richard Rust, daughter-in-law Karen Held, and grandson-in-law Scott Howarth.
Survivors include son, Roger Held and his wife, Marilyn of Albany, NY; daughter, Judy Jardina and her husband, Tony of Cambridge Springs; daughter, Paula Colvin and her husband Ray of Cambridge Springs; grandchildren: Jennifer Lewandowski and her husband, Jeff of South Wales, NY; Justin Held and his wife, Kristin of Cambridge Springs; Matthew Held and his wife, Glenda of VA; Philip Held and his wife, Rachelle of Erie; Keith Held of Cambridge Springs; Joshua Held and his wife, Ali of Erie; Daniel Held of Cambridge Springs; Elizabeth Karns and her husband, Robert of New Castle; Kevin Held and his wife, Abby of North Royalton, OH; Anthony Jardina and his wife, Karen of Pompano Beach, FL; Adam Jardina and his wife, Sherri of Fairview; granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Jardina of Saegertown; Brian Girdwood of Port St. Lucia, Fl; Kara Howarth of Nazareth, PA; brother Jack Rust and his wife, Taddy of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl; 43 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Sunday, January 30, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 at Van Matre Funeral Home, Cambridge Springs and are invited to a funeral service to be held at First Baptist Church in Cambridge Springs on Monday, January 31 at 11 am with the Reverend Rod Beardsley officiating. Interment will follow at Millers Station Cemetery.
Just today, I was made aware of Betty’s passing. All of my and my family’s love and prayers to all of you in her family. God bless.
So very sorry for your family’s loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To The Held Family,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
May God wrap you in His loving arms & give you the comfort & support that you all need at this time.
Betty will truly be missed.
Dude and Betty Held were father and mother to everyone in their circle of influence. Years ago Dude encouraged me to be hospitable, to welcome others including strangers in to my home. As a result of that little bit of encouragement I welcomed people from Brazil, Japan, France, China, Mexico, Germany, Poland and other countries. When Jordan and Isaiah were growing up our home was full of their friends. Now we welcome the friends of our grandchildren. In the few words of Dude Held, be hospitable. Isn’t life wonderful!!