Bettye Barbara Freeman

BETTYE BARBARA FREEMAN (née Flickinger) age 88, beloved wife of 66 years of the late Timothy; loving mother of Kevin (Mary), Kip (Chris), Kileen (Blake) Sturgis, and Korey (Lisa Dunn); devoted grandmother of Brandon (Lauren), Blake (Lindsey), Brittany (Greg) Sustar, Bryson (Victoria), Brett (Cyerra), Bailey (Joey) Gragg, Christopher (Kate) Parente, Rachael, Mitchell, Rory, Brody, and the late Blaire and great-grandmother of Quinn, Kinsley, Hudson, Parker, Mercedes, Madison, Morgan, Brayden, Braxton, Brooklyn, Luca, Lincoln and Madeleine; cherished daughter of the late Clyde Flickinger and Marion Byler (née Kalcher); dearest sister of Ronald Byler; sister-in-law of Donna Byler, the late Patricia (Walter, deceased) Gregg and Kathleen (Robert, deceased) Brown; and aunt and great-aunt of many.

Bettye was born on July 31, 1938 in Cleveland Ohio. At age nine, she moved to Newbury then eventually to Burton, where she was a resident for over 70 years. She graduated from BHS with the Class of 1957 and remained close with many friends at both Newbury and Burton High Schools. Bettye loved to sew, craft, dance, decorate cakes and volunteer at the Century Village Museum. Bettye was a 4-H advisor for the Pincushion Pokers sewing club for over 20 years. She also enjoyed showcasing her own sewing at The Great Geauga County Fair. For many years, she won Best in Show for her period dresses. She also loved to enter flowers, vegetables and crafts. In 1980, with the intention of incorporating exercise into her daily life, Bettye joined Jazzercise and continued on for 46 years. It was there that she met her very best friends and together they enjoyed traveling, playing cards, shopping and laughing. Above all, Bettye loved spending time with her family. Being with her children and watching her grandchildren become parents of their own brought her true happiness. Bettye was a quiet woman who lived loudly by enjoying her life to the fullest. No matter what she was doing, she was making friends and lighting the way, one rhinestone at a time. On September 19, 2026, Bettye passed away after a brief illness. Although she is gone, her spirit and presence continue to shine as brightly as the sparkle that bedazzled her everyday life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Bettye to The Great Geauga County Fair Foundation, PO Box 402 Burton, Ohio 44021 or by clicking HERE.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Bettye at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4-8 PM.

Celebration of Life Service Friday, October 2, 2026, at 12 Noon at THE FUNERAL HOME. Burial following at Welton Cemetery.

Online obituary and guestbook at