Betty Rose Archer, 88, died Sunday as she lived, surrounded by family. Born Dec. 26, 1923, the daughter of Margaret & Henry Cardone, Mrs. Archer grew up in an unusually close family, one of eight children.
In November of 1942, she married Jack Archer, just before he left to serve in the U.S. Army, while she helped by World War II effort as a factory worker. When he returned home to Lima, where both had graduated from South High School, they had three children. A homemaker, sought-after guest and gracious hostess, she volunteered for several years at the Canteen for Veterans and was a member of Shawnee United Methodist Church. After her children were grown, she returned to full-time work as secretary for the superintendent of Shawnee Local Schools. Later, she and her husband lived briefly in Alaska, where she worked for the Department of Highways.
The Archers were married more than a half-century and lived in retirement at their Indian Lake home. Mr. Archer preceded her in death, as did her parents and three of her sisters. Survivors include an enormous wealth of nieces, nephews and cousins; a brother, Dr. Charles (Jean Ann) Cardone of Cincinnati; three sisters, Flora DeVoe of Belle Center and Margaret Mefferd and Nelda Cardone, both of Lima; two sons, Steven (Ellie) Archer of Wapakoneta, and Thomas (Laurie) Archer of Austin, TX; a daughter, Laura (Michael) Pulfer of Bellefontaine; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Mrs. Archer worked out daily with free weights and aerobic exercise until her life was cut short by complications from a fall.
Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at Community United Methodist Church, with Pastor Charlotte Hefner officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Lima.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 2-8 p.m. at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home, Lima, and on Wednesday, from Noon until 1:00 p.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Home Reach Hospice Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Dr., Columbus, 43214.
Condolences may be expressed at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.
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