Mary 'Betty' Stickler, 92, of Ormond Beach, beloved mother of Kimberly Stickler and adoring grandmother to Craig Pyle, departed this life - and me, her loving daughter - on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Her genuine love, kindness, laugh, tenderness and physical presence will be missed immensely EVERY DAY, for she and Craig have been my life.

Betty…or as I call her, Mom…was always planning well in advance, taking notes and occasionally writing in shorthand, (even though her 'real' handwriting honestly looked like hieroglyphics and always needed deciphering so she really didn't need to continue using shorthand, LOL). Well, I can say that my Mom forgot to tell me where she probably left a pre-written obituary – only because I asked her to write something 20 YEARS ago, bullet-pointing her life for me to publish as her obituary so I would be 'prepared', especially considering she worked in the funeral business for almost 20 years), – or maybe she did tell me but I forgot, so here I am struggling to do so in between my tears and bursts of laughter…missing her, and Craig….

I can almost hear my Mom calling me by my first and middle name or at least give me "the look" if she read this, but I also know that I'd have an ally – Craig, who would think it's hilarious and would contribute endlessly because we know in actuality, Mom would get a kick out of it and laugh right along with us, cuz it's not your everyday obituary that everyone reads day in, day out. I know she'd hate to see me cry, and to be honest, I think THIS is the only way I can get through the reality of this devastating loss of my family.

So with that I'll continue:

Betty was born on June 11, 1930, and lived her childhood in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, growing up with many extended family members. She was an active participant in Scouting and YWCA, played basketball, ice and roller skating, swimming, dancing, camping, and sang in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church, along with her beloved brother, William.

Having integrous, loving parents who were dedicated to work, a privately owned business, family and honest values -- especially during their life in the time of the Great Depression and World War II -- Betty was not 'allergic' to work…. Within days after her high school graduation, Betty left Wilkes-Barre, as she was hired by the United States Department of Navy in Washington D.C. It was there that she worked for over 20 years with the Federal Government in Naval Air Systems Command NAVAIR and Naval Ship Systems Command NAVSHIPS. Achieving many goals and receiving numerous commendations, Betty excelled in technical knowledge and judgement as one of the top procurement analysts and contract specialists for the Navy Department.

Upon retirement from the U.S. Navy Department, she moved out West with her family, enjoying travel- trailering & boating, all while actively participating in my school activities.

After several years, we moved to Florida, where Mom was hired by Lowell Lohman as his Executive Secretary, where she worked for ~20 years for the Lohman's 34 privately owned Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, then the largest privately owned funeral home & cemetery business in the state of Florida. As Lowell stated several times, Betty was his right-hand lady for the funeral homes, a take charge type of lady who was "the main person that ran that company", dedicated, hardworking and professional.

Upon retirement from the funeral home, she enjoyed arts & crafts, cruises, gardening (and would slather on so much sunscreen lotion that sometimes she looked like the PacMan ghost working the yard), cooking (kinda like Julia Child but without the fame and fortune, oh nor the accent) and spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Craig. Mom LOVED holidays, ALL of them, and I can't say she had a favorite one, or time of year, as the tree kept coming around every holiday….changing the ornaments to the appropriate season: Valentines, St Patrick's, Easter, Memorial Day, Birthdays,…you get the idea.

She always had us in the forefront of her thoughts, making time to volunteer for my or Craig's school field trips, extracurricular activities or events, and to others by making gifts for them, just to brighten their day. Even when she couldn't carry a tune or play a musical instrument, she'd be the one cheering us on and praising us, encouraging us and making us laugh!! She was an amazingly loving wife, a devoted mother & grandmother, aka "Nanny" as she was called by my son, a caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, and a dedicated career woman.

Even after suffering life-threatening/ altering events, she was unrelentingly strong and sweet, keeping her spirits upbeat, never negative. Mom always continued to think about us and would want to make sure she had a present, party or both to give in addition to her love and never ending devotion.

Our very last 'mini-party' was with our dogs and a little picnic. We had a blast, laughing, talking, the dogs aka "kids" kissing her…. Little did WE know that it would be our last party.

Betty is survived by her loving daughter, Kim, of Ormond Beach, and their dogs. She was unfortunately predeceased by her loving grandson, Craig Downing, the joy of her life; her adoring husband, Arthur; her cherished brother, William (Bill) Short, Jr; and her parents, Mary and Bill Short.

A Celebration of Life Memorial for Mom will be held on Saturday, September 17th, at 10:30 am at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond Beach, 773 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida, officiated by family friend, Wiley Lowe, minister of 35 years. Interment will follow at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida.

So with this I leave you…

LOVE IS PRECIOUS. Life IS Fragile. Be Happy, Sociable, Kind, and Loyal. Live Life and Love People. Stop being negative and rude. Be Understanding, Empathetic, Don't be quick to judge nor assume. No one is perfect nor without fault. Most importantly say, "I LOVE YOU" and mean it!

Having someone that richens and deepens our Life is a blessing, yet makes it that more difficult to say, "Goodbye"... BUT I will never say 'goodbye' to you, Mom (or you Craig), I will ONLY and ALWAYS say what we always have said, "See you later".

Seriously, my Mom (and possibly my Dad) would just be shaking their heads right now, or I'd like to think hugging me for letting them know how much I TRULY enjoyed my life with them; for they really were THE BEST PARENTS…. and Craig would still be keeping his pride and confidence in me, and support & love for me. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!

"I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all".
~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson 1849

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond Beach.

Condolences/memories to the family may also be shared below on Betty's Guestbook.

http://www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com/