Betty M. Martin

Betty Marie Martin, 86, formerly of Bucyrus and residing in Danville for the past four years allowing her to be closer to family, died peacefully Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Knox Community Hospital.



She was born January 10, 1934 in Tazewell County, Virginia to the late Robert Bentley Vencill Sr. and Dixie Dyer (McNew) Vencill. Betty was a 1952 graduate of Richlands High School and, shortly thereafter, was introduced to William J. Martin through a mutual friend. They shared a brief courtship and on January 30, 1954, as Bill states, “I married the most beautiful lady from Richlands, Virginia.” He survives following the best 66 years of his life.



The family moved to Bucyrus in the 1950s and Betty cared for her family as a wonderful wife and homemaker. As her children grew, Betty worked outside the home as an assembler for Com-Trol Electronics Division, later becoming Universal from where she retired.



Betty loved the Lord and was involved in anything the church called on her to do. She and Bill were faithful members of Calvary Baptist Church before joining Wayside Chapel in 2000. Betty was known as a loving, family-oriented woman. Her cooking and baking skills were exemplary and some of the family favorites include spaghetti, coleslaw, and her potato cakes. For family birthdays, she always baked a red cake to celebrate their special day.



A lot of fond memories and good times were squeezed into 66 years of marriage. She and Junior, as Betty referred to Bill, took airplane rides to breakfast, spent many hours on their porch, and often went to McDonald’s (her favorite restaurant) where he’d order a coffee and she a fountain soda (Coke). They’d then drive to Apple Valley Lake, simply enjoying the company of one another while watching nature. It was always a bonus should they spot a cardinal as this was Betty’s favorite bird. In the past, Betty worked with her flowers, did crosswords, and embroidered many things which became treasures for family and friends. She enjoyed leafing through photo albums, always reminiscing on that moment and often talked on the phone with her siblings. Betty took care of her body by walking two miles every day and for relaxation, she loved watching old westerns, especially if it included John Wayne.



Betty will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill Martin; daughters, Elaine (Randy) Wert and Terri (Loren) Shifley; grandchildren, Rachel (Nate) Miller, Ryan (Jenny) Wert, Blaine (Kelsey) Shifley, Taylor (Adam) Schilperoort; great-grandchildren, Grace Miller, Madi Miller, Gage Miller, Macy Miller, Kinsley Shifley, Duke Shifley, Brynn Shifley, and Harper Schilperoort; brothers, Jack Vencill, Joe (Dorothy) Vencill, John (Dorothy) Vencill; and sister, Phyllis Compton.



She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Francis “Frank” Breeding; and brother, Robert “June” Bentley Vencill Jr.



In keeping with Betty’s private nature, her services were private and she was laid to rest in Crawford County Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorial contributions be made payable to Wayside Christian School. These donations will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service at 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, OH 44820.