Elizabeth Ann Dalton (Betty)

Elizabeth Ann Dalton (Betty) departed this life peacefully on July 2, 2018. Betty's passing came in the gentle dawn's light with an abundance of birdsong and glorious gardens outside her room at the Hospice Care Facility in Copley.
Betty was born July 16, 1928 in Akron, Ohio at Peoples Hospital to her parents Dorothy Lillian Marsh and Crile Nicely Wise. She attended Rankin Elementary School and later Buchtel High School. Betty graduated in 1950 from Wellesley College with a degree in Biblical History. While at Wellesley she attracted the interest of the man she would marry and call her better half for the next 68 years, John Henry Dalton.
Betty's life brimmed with family, world travel (often to ski with John and close friends), and an inspired commitment to volunteerism. She set an early example for what an individual can accomplish, demonstrated by the remarkable breadth of her community engagement. This commitment to the community was made possible by the strong support of husband John and the limitless support provided by her dear friend Lucille Hollinger.
How do you begin to represent the life's work of someone who has touched the lives of so, so many? Her compassion and caring for others knew no bounds. Her commitment to social justice led her on a journey of selfless giving to her community. Her children and all who grew close to her were instilled with the virtues of kindness, community, and a deep love of all living creatures and the beauty of nature.
Betty was quoted in the Akron Beacon Journal in 1972 saying the main goal of volunteerism is "to make the community overall a better place to live."
Betty lived this conviction in so many ways. She served as President of the Akron Public School Board with a total tenure of 21 years, and was the director of the National Association of Junior Leagues of America. Betty was president of Mobile Meals and Family Services of Summit County, now Greenleaf Family Services, from which she received the inaugural Betty Dalton Community Service Award in 2003.
In 2005, Betty was awarded the Akron Community Foundation's Bert A. Polsky Award for "selfless dedication to humanitarian causes in Akron." Betty was recognized with the Friend of Children Legacy Award from Child Guidance and Family Solutions in 2014. She has served on numerous Boards of Directors and Trustees including First National Bank, Akron General Medical Center and its Women's Board, Red Cross, Stan Hywet Hall, Old Trail School, Western Reserve Academy, Friends of Metro Parks, United Way of Summit County, Mental Health Board of Summit County, Western Reserve Girl Scout Council and many more.
Betty attended Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ where she served as trustee, deaconess and on various committees.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and brother, William D. Wise.
Betty is survived by her husband of almost 68 years, John and daughters, Mindy Bartholomae (Phil) of Homeworth, Ohio and Amy Dalton (Brian) and son, Mark Dalton (Cami), both of Anchorage, Alaska. Betty's grandchildren are Laura Bartholomae, Paul Bartholomae, Anna Dalton, Willie Dalton and Katy Dalton. Betty's family also includes niece, Gail Wise Kinzel (Donald and son, David) and all of the extended Nelson family.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 13th from 11:00 a.m. until1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Fairlawn-West UCC, 2095 West Market Street, Akron. A service will be held at Fairlawn-West UCC at 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 14th with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you continue Betty's legacy by contributing time and/or resources to your community in a way most meaningful to you. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)