Elizabeth Deacon

Elizabeth T. "Bette" (Reilly) Deacon, 84, of Elmore, OH and formerly of Port Charlotte, FL died Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Riverview Senior Health Care Campus under the care of Stein Hospice in Oak Harbor, OH after fighting a long illness. She was born on November 15, 1923, in Long Island, NY to the late Anthony N. and Thekla (Schober) Tschupp. Bette first went onstage as a dancer and had many fond memories of her time with the USO tours with her first husband of 25 years, Syl Reilly, performing as a musical comedy team of "Betty and Syl Reilly". They have toured with Bob Hope, one in Vietnam and five in the Artic Circle. They had enjoyed performing their shows on nationwide tours and hosted several radio shows in New York and later in the Boca Raton, FL area where she also sold real estate. Bette was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ of Elmore, OH, and proud to have been a Stephen's Minister at Pilgrim UCC Church in Port Charlotte, FL. She was an avid painter, gardener, and enjoyed working hand-in-hand in all of life's activities with her husband, Richard R. Deacon, whom she married in 1987. Surviving her is a legacy of love from her family and friends including Richard R. Deacon, her devoted husband of 20 years and loving mother of her step-son, Douglas (Elizabeth) Deacon; and sister-in-law, Joanne Price (Clint Harder). Also surviving are two grandchildren, Melissa and Christopher "CJ" Deacon. She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents and first husband, by her brother, Robert T. Tschupp and mother-in-law, Dorothy Deacon. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ, 448 E. Rice St., Elmore, OH with Rev. Karl Whiteman officiating. Visitation will be in the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a time of fellowship and luncheon in the church hall. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery, Elmore, OH at a later date. Her family members and the friends she has made throughout her wondrous journey of life will sadly miss Bette. The family extends their gratitude and thanks to her extended family at the nursing home and for the wonderful care she received from hospice. The family suggests memorial contributions in Bette's name to: St. John's UCC Church, Elmore, OH or to Riverview Health Care Campus Alzheimer Unit, Oak Harbor, OH. The Crosser Funeral Home of Elmore, OH has assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to: www.crosserfuneralhome.com Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Elmore-Genoa Chapel 19550 West State Route 51 Elmore, OH US 43416