Betty Irene Chaffman Harris

Betty Irene Chaffman Harris, age 85, a long time resident of Worthington, Ohio died April 10, 2014. Betty was born May 2, 1928 in Baltimore, MD to Irene and David Chaffman. She married E. Vernon Harris September 24, 1950. World War II brought Vernon from Idaho to Washington DC and the subsequent meeting of Betty and Vernon at the Baltimore Seventh-day Adventist Church. Betty completed her Registered Nurse training at Columbia Missionary College, married Vernon and moved to Ohio. While raising four children, Betty completed her Nursing undergraduate degree at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas and her Masters Degree at University of Texas in Austin. Following her graduation, Betty took a job as a Nursing Instructor at Texas Women’s University in Dallas, Texas. In 1973 the family returned to Worthington, Ohio and Betty taught in the College of Nursing at The Ohio State University until her retirement. Betty enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. She was an active member of the African Violet Society for many years. She was also an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church all her life. Betty often led vegetarian cooking classes and promoted healthful living. Betty was married to Vernon for 54 years prior to his death in February 10, 2005. After Vernon’s passing, Betty moved to Paradise, California to be near her son Dale and his wife Nina. Betty is survived by her children Ellen (Jim) Beldin of Cohutta, Georgia, Dale (Nina) Harris of Quincy, California, Carol (Kirk) Johnson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sharon (Mitch) Strong of Batavia, New York and seven grandchildren. Services for Betty will be held on Friday, April 18, 2014 at the Rutherford Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. There will be visitation at 11am and the Funeral at Noon. The family will be in town on Friday and Saturday. If you miss the services or would like to visit with us, please contact Carol Johnson 513-417-1063 or Sharon Strong 585-297-9546. We would love to hear from you. For those who wish, Memorial contributions may be made to REACH International, PO Box 34, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 (a children’s relief and educational organization) or your local Alzheimer’s or Dementia Association in Betty’s memory.