Betty Jane Cultice

Betty Jane Clawson Cultice of Zanesville died at home on Saturday evening, August 14, 2010 a few days after what would have been her 68th wedding anniversary. She was 88 years old. Everyone seemed to know Betty and all who knew her, loved her. She was kind and generous and always had a smile on her face. She pursued her "causes" and faced her challenges with a stubborn pride and grace and, of course, a sense of humor. An ardent supporter of and volunteer at the old Bethesda Hospital, the Zanesville Art Center, Grace United Methodist Church, at which she had been a member for many years, and the Zanesville City Schools. Betty was also a Master Gardener, the President of the Zanesville Green Commission and an integral part of several Zanesville beautification projects. Betty had a knack for interior design and decorating, was very creative and daring and even took harmonica lessons in her 70's. Needless to say, she was the oldest harmonica player at her recital. However, she was most proud of her children and grandchildren. Having lived through the Great Depression and having to leave college after only a year to support her country and husband, Don, during WWII, she instilled in her children the importance of education, achievement, tolerance and unselfishness. She died surrounded by her loving family, knowing that she had lived life well and with many purposes. Betty was born on July 29, 1922 in Springfield, Ohio, and was the last surviving child of the late Joseph and Cleta Cox Roberts Clawson. She is survived by her three children, Bob (Wendy) Cultice, of Wellesley, Mass.; Susan Cultice (Jim) Brown of Zanesville; and Peter (Trudy) Cultice, also of Zanesville; her special grandchildren, Ben Cultice, Luke and Maddie Brown and Alex and Sarah Cultice. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Judy Faulkner, of Urbana, Ohio, several nieces and nephews and many dear and special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, who died in 1998, brothers Bill and Joe Clawson, a sister, Martha Brady, and a half-brother, Howard Roberts. The family invites friends to call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, Oh. A private family burial service will be held at Zanesville Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty's name to the Zanesville Green Commission in furtherance of the beautification of Zanesville, the Zanesville Art Center, Grace United Methodist Church, or the charity of one's choice.