Betty Daugherty

Betty Ruth (Gorsuch) Daugherty, 83, died peacefully on October 24, 2014 at the Baptist Homes in Pittsburgh. She was born February 13, 1931 to Harold and Dorothy (Swift) Gorsuch and lived in the Mansfield area until this past March.

Betty graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1949 and was involved in planning activities for the 49’ers. She also received a Bachelors of Music Education from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio where she was on the Homecoming Court in 1952.

Betty was a gifted vocalist, choir director, and teacher who shared her talent generously throughout the Mansfield area. She taught English and Music at both Lexington and Ontario schools and gave private voice lessons in her home. She served as choir director at the Ontario United Methodist Church for over 20 years. Her former choir members still show evidence of her influence in their clear enunciation and the way their ‘faces reflect what they are singing’.

Betty continuously pursued learning as she attended music conferences and Elder hostels across the country and participated locally in Mansfield Mastersingers, Music Study Club, and Sappho Club.

Betty’s beautiful soprano voice graced worship services in numerous area churches. She performed extensively with the Madrigal Singers, the Ashland College Bel Canto Chorale, Gfrer’s Old Timer’s Band, the Mansfield Playhouse, and other ad hoc groups on request. In addition, she was a member of the Mansfield Symphony Chorus, serving for many years as their Personnel Manager. She was a member of Church Women United where she frequently served as song leader. She performed twice in Europe with the Westminster College Alumni Choir. Betty also directed the Miss Ontario pageant for several years.

Betty is survived and will be greatly missed by her two children, Debbie (Mike) Smith of Bethel Park, PA and Tim (Tonya) Daugherty of Hartville, OH; six grandchildren, Elliott and Bobby Smith, Ryan Elk, D.J. Silliman, Mason and Mikenna Daugherty; sisters-in-law Betty Forsythe and Linda Gorsuch; and her beloved cat, Misty, who is now in Mikenna’s care. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Daugherty; her parents, Harold and Dorothy Gorsuch; and her brother, Howard Gorsuch.

A service celebrating Betty’s life will be held Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ontario United Methodist Church, 3540 Park Ave. West in Ontario, conducted by Pastor Peg Welch, with visitation two hours prior to the service. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the church or to the Mansfield Symphony Chorus.