PARKMAN TWP. – Betsy (nee Buckmelter) Hill, age 66, of Parkman Township, passed away May 31, 2016, at her home in Parkman.
Betsy was born on May 27, 1950, in Plainfield, N.J., daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (nee VonMinden) Buckmelter.
She met her husband of almost 47 years at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, N.J. They married on Dec. 23, 1972, living their early years together in Cold Spring, N.Y.
Betsy had 25 years’ experience in the retail trade business. She was the owner of several cookware stores. She started with Country Goose in Cold Spring and later Chagrin Cook in Chagrin Falls. After she successfully sold the enterprises, at least one remains as a viable enterprise today.
In 1986, Betsy and Rich moved to Bainbridge Township, where they raised their two children, Jeff and Jeanne.
In 1997, Betsy and Rich moved to Parkman and bought the old Stoll dairy farm, where they started planting grape vines in what is now known as Betsy-west vineyard. It became an official Ohio winery, Laleure Vineyards, and opened the doors in 2002. Betsy’s business and retail skills were put to good use in establishing the tasting room and boutique shop in 2003.
Betsy was a faithful member of St. Helen’s Church and enjoyed attending mass there with her husband, Rich.
She was also a volunteer at the Middlefield Public Library for many years, delivering books to Amish schools. She absolutely loved reading and typically read a book almost daily. She also loved gardening and raising her flowers on the deck.
Betsy was unequivocally loved by her dogs Merlin, Riesel and Maxi, her faithful entourage who followed her everywhere.
She was known for absolute kindness, but what was most important to Betsy was her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Her family and friends will miss her dearly.
Betsy is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Hill; loving children, Jeffrey F. (Amy) Hill, of Broomfield, Colo., and Jeanne (Greg) Milton, of New City, N.Y.; “Nana” to her five grandchildren, Adyson, Ryan and Evyn Hill, and Avery and Samantha Milton; brother Jim Buckmelter, of Albuquerque, N.M.; sisters, Bonnie Davis, of Stockton, N.J., and Jean Spies, of San Diego, Calif.; and brothers and sisters-in law, Bob Hill, Brian (Amy) Hill, Barry (Peggy) Hill and Sue (Steve) McInInch.
Calling hours are 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. June 3 at Russell-Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield.
A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. June 4 at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township.
Her burial will be 11 a.m. June 6 at Oak Hill Cemetery, 140 North Highland Ave., Nyack, N.Y.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.russellslyfh.com and with Rich directly at his email rich@laleurevineyards.com.