Betty Velma Meuser

Betty V. Meuser, born in Fremont, Ohio on November 6, 1930, passed into the arms of her savior Thursday, March 28.

Born the first child and only daughter of Frank and Viola Konzen, music was always a special part of her life. Her mom had played piano for the silent movies growing up on Pelee Island, and this apple didn't fall far from that talented tree.

Betty knew that music brought joy to people, and dedicated her life to music and to her family. Considered a bit of a prodigy, she started piano at age 6 and began playing the organ for her church at the tender age of 16. A 1948 graduate of Pemberville High School and later BGSU where she earned a B.A. double-majoring in piano and organ, she then met Martin, the love of her life. "He joined the church choir when I was organist. He was a teacher. Two years dating convinced me I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him." They married on Mart's birthday in 1952, had three boys, and their love story endured for over 66 years.

Professionally, she taught music in several Northwest Ohio school districts, served as organist for Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg as well as area funeral homes, and accompanied the Suburban Singers musical theater troupe in Perrysburg. The Arts reviewer for the Toledo Blade once called her "...an entire orchestra of one brilliant lady, who handled the chore as though she were leading the New York Philharmonic." Her family was incredibly proud of this and all her accomplishments.

Between musical performance and teaching gigs, she also ventured into sales, selling encyclopedias, beauty products, and even getting her real estate license.

She remained active in retirement, organizing the Braden Piano Trio which played many concerts around Sarasota and Bradenton, FL. where they spent several winters, and played for special concerts at Friendship Village of Columbus where they lived. She also enjoyed several volunteer activities, going western square dancing, and traveling with her "sweetie-pie" to see family and friends.

Most of all, she relished her role as "Mom" and "Grandma" and loved deeply and unconditionally. Her beautiful smile was a beam of sunshine, and that mischievous twinkle in those blue eyes and her heart of pure gold will be terribly missed.

Preceded in death by her parents Frank and Viola and brother James Konzen, Betty is survived by loving husband Martin; sons Randy (Linda), Glen Anthony, and Dr. Robert (Becky); grandchildren Kelsey Meuser, Ashley Meuser, Courtney (Nick) Barrell, Derek, Mitchell, Austin, and Hannah Meuser; great-grandchildren Delaney and Cooper Barrell and Adaleigh Nostadt; brothers Dr. Dennis (Vicki) Konzen, Larry (Sandy) Konzen, sister-in-law Cynthia Konzen, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved extended family and friends.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Betty's life on Saturday, April 6 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4686 Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 43081. Friends are invited to join Betty's family between 1 and 2, with service immediately following at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorials be directed to Faith Mission of Columbus at .