Elizabeth "Bettsy" Ann Gauerke

Bettsy attended Marymount College and later transferred to Northwestern College where she met the love of her life, James Gauerke whom she married on November 1, 1953.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and had a love for the Theater. She was very devoted to the Footlight Players and had a sense of fulfillment when she was there. Her talents on stage and off are still talked about this this day. She and her husband Jim, were instrumental in bringing about Hopewell School to Coshocton, starting the school in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. Bettsy enjoyed classical music, playing tennis, going on long walks, her dogs, was an avid reader and she could complete the New York Times crossword puzzle in pen. She has been on many boards throughout her life and was especially proud to be on the Footlight Players board along with the Coshocton Public Library board for over 50 years.

Bettsy was a wonderful woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Gauerke of 68 years; her children, John Gauerke of Coshocton, Matt (Christy) Gauerke of Coshocton, Ellen (Ray) Hardesty of Coshocton and Charley (Kelly) Gauerke of Staunton, Virginia; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, Bettsy is preceded in death by her loving son Jimmy, who passed away in 1990.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Tom Gardner officiating. Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Bettsy’s name to the Footlight Players, P.O. Box 3, Coshocton, Ohio 43812.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.