Betty Jo Sherman

Betty Jo Sherman April 19, 1936-May 3, 2021 Betty Jo Sherman, 85, formerly of Elmore, Ohio, died Monday, May 3 at Valley View Health Campus, Fremont, Ohio. She was born to Forrest B. “Smiley” Moyer and Kleta (Diels) Moyer on April 19, 1936. She graduated from Gibsonburg High School and attended Carnegie College in Cleveland, Ohio where she studied medical technology. On June 15, 1957 she married Daryl J. Sherman. She worked as a medical secretary, and in women’s retail, until her husband, Daryl, began his own CPA practice in Fremont in 1971. She served as his part-time administrative assistant and business manager for many years. Betty Jo was active throughout her life in local women’s clubs serving as President and Junior Director of the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs. As president of the Woodville Junior League, she spearheaded the campaign to build Woodville’s community swimming pool in the mid-1960s. The pool was completed in 1967. Betty Jo was the first woman elected to the Woodmore Board of Education serving from 1976-1980. In the 1970s, Betty Jo became active in the Republican Party in Ottawa County. She served as a Precinct Officer, President of the Ottawa County Republican Women’s Club and as the County Chairperson for more than 20 years. She was elected to the State Central Committee from the 26th Senatorial District in 2002 and was reelected in 2010. She was an elector for the Electoral College from the state of Ohio. She also served as Ottawa Co. Central Committee Century Club Chairperson. Betty Jo and Daryl began breeding and racing harness horses in 1972, later establishing Sherman Stables with their son, Kent. They helped found the Ottawa County Horsemen’s Association where Betty Jo served as secretary for many years. The organization continues to bring racing to the Ottawa County Fair each year. Nothing could compare to the excitement of a trip to the winner’s circle with family and friends! Betty Jo’s love of music was a constant in her life. She began playing the organ at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hessville for Sunday services when she was just 16 years old. She later served as organist at Grace Lutheran Church, Elmore for many years. When she and Daryl became members at Grace Lutheran, Fremont she once again shared her musical talents, playing piano for the 9:30 service. The need for a new piano led Betty Jo to create and serve as chairperson of the Symphony Committee at Grace Lutheran which continues to bring the Toledo Symphony to Fremont each year for a Christmas Concert. The sold out events helped to fund the purchase of several pianos and support the church’s music ministry. Betty Jo is survived by her husband of 64 years, Daryl; her daughter, Sarah (Robert) Siegel of Rockville Centre, NY and son, Kent (Jennifer) Sherman of Northfield, OH; grandchildren, Emma and Tess Siegel, and Nadia, Samuel and Jacob Sherman. Funeral services for Betty Jo will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Fremont, Ohio on Saturday, June 5 at 11 AM. Visitation will be at the church from 10-11 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Fremont or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosserpriesmanfuneralhome.com.