Mary Elizabeth Eidemiller Gauntlett

GAUNTLETT, MARY ELIZABETH "BETH", 89, of Orlando passed away on Oct. 12, 2012. She was born Nov. 25, 1922 in Troy, OH to Aaron and Mary Elizabeth Eidemiller. She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Kent. She graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1940, attended University of Toledo and Purdue University. She married her wartime sweetheart of five years, settled in Wayne, MI and later moved to Orlando in 1957, when her husband accepted a job with Martin Marietta. In 1958 Beth co-founded The Marlando Club (Martin/Orlando wives) and was instrumental in opening The Glaucoma Detection Center at Holiday Hospital, which was the club's main charity. She was a charter member of the Holiday Hospital Auxiliary, later volunteered at Lucerne Hospital, Arnold Palmer Hospital and BETA. She was also an American Red Cross Swimming Instructor, and taught many children in Central Florida to swim. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years and the love of her life, Bill Gauntlett, who passed away this past March. She is survived by her children, Jeff (Debbie) Gauntlett, Susie (Mark) DiDea, and Pete (Margaret) Gauntlett. She was so proud of her grandchildren, Kim (Leith) Harrell, Jennifer (Leonard) Beverly, Chris (Jennifer) Gauntlett, Brian DiDea, Katie DiDea and Ben Gauntlett. Her legacy continues with five great-granddaughters. Beth dearly loved her family! She was a travel agent and loved to travel. She also loved reading, poetry, swimming, gardening and her Gourmet Supper Club. She was extremely proud of her sons' Boy Scout, Marine Corps and Law Enforcement careers. And she loved her many dogs, they were family too! Memorial service and burial will be private. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 East Curry Ford Rd., Orlando FL. 32806. They can be reached at 407-898-2561. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Russell Home for Atypical Children, 510 Holden Ave., Orlando FL. 32839 or www.russellhome.org