Betty O'Neill

Betty J. O’Neill, 89, of Delta, OH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2013 after suffering a massive stroke. She was the daughter of Victor and Carrie Buckenmeyer, and was born and raised in Swanton, OH. She married Virgil O’Neill in June 1944 and became a young widow and single mother of 7 children at the age of 38 upon his death in May 1962.

A 1941 graduate of Swanton High School, Betty later went on to comptometer school, which led to her career in bookkeeping. She had worked at A& P in Toledo, OH, as well as farming after the early death of her husband. Betty retired as Clerk Treasurer of Evergreen School district in Metamora, OH after a distinguished 17-year career. She later worked with Toledo Dental Dispensory. Betty was a member of Holy Trinity Parish (formerly St. Mary’s Assumption Church) in Swanton, OH, and an active member of the church Altar Rosary Society. Betty was so proud that she was able to buy a cottage in 1973 in the Irish Hills of Michigan. Her grandchildren have grown to adults knowing fun times at the lake.

She is survived by her loving children: Ken, Peggy O’Neill (Jim Zechinati), Richard (Vicki), Joyce Berning (Jim), Tom (Kathie), Marianne Armstrong (Tom), and Ed (Cathy); 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, siblings Rita Cunningham, Glen (Joanne) Buckenmyer, and Helen Buckenmeyer.

She was predeceased by her husband, Virgil; grandchildren Jeff, Shane, and Sean O’Neill, and Catherine (Caty) Armstrong; and her parents; and siblings Dale Buckenmeyer and Ruth Hipp.

Mom “did it her way.” She always enjoyed a party and frequently told people, “If you don’t want me to join you; don’t invite me!” Every year the whole nation will celebrate her life with us, on the Fourth of July! God bless you, Mom.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Hands of Grace in Delta, OH as well as Betty’s compassionate in-home caregivers: Shawna, Carol, Margie, Kelli, and Kerri. All of them helped her stay safe and comfortable as she lived at home over the past years.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 2-8 pm at Weigel Funeral Home, 214 Chestnut, Swanton, OH (419.826.2631), where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue from 10 to 11 am at Holy Trinity Church, Swanton, OH, on Monday, July 8, 2013, where the funeral mass will take place at 11:00 am with Fr. Michael Dandurand officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Hands of Grace, 104 Monroe St., Delta, OH 43515 or Holy Trinity School, 2649 US 20, Swanton, OH 43558.

Residence: Delta, Ohio

Visitation: Sunday, July 7th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Mass of Resurrection: Monday, July 8th at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Assumption

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery