Betty Mekus Elizabeth (Betty) R. Mekus, 91, of Defiance, passed away Thursday, April 30th, 2015 in her home. She was born in Martinez, California on August 19, 1923, the daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Bettencourt) Pereira. She was the widow of Robert (Bob) Mekus who died March 17, 1994. Betty was an extremely avid area volunteer since 1945. A member of St. John Catholic Church, past president of the Christian Mothers Altar Rosary Society, past president of Catholic Ladies of Columbia Council 32 (CLC) member for over 66 years and awarded Ohio's finalist of the year in 1994, past president Catholic Daughters of America, taught catechism for over 37 years, a volunteer with Defiance Chapter of the American Red Cross over 60 years and was volunteen chairman for the Red Cross, Ladies Auxiliary of the Defiance K of C, fish fry worker, volunteer and 2012-2013 Knights of Columbus Toledo Diocese Volunteer of the Year, 55 club member, Moose Auxiliary, Defiance Area Society for the Handicapped (DASH), Disabled American Veterans, Defiance Crime Stoppers, VFW Ladies Auxiliary life member and Americanism chairman for VFW Post # 3360, a leader at the Defiance County Senior Center, given an Award of Appreciation in 2013 from the Cabrillo Civic Club of Yolo County, California. A counselor at Camp Palmer over 18 years, Girl Scout leader and awarded the St. Ann's Award, the highest honor given to women in scouting. The kids called her Miss Kitty. She had worked as a clerk at Peck's Drug Store and as an aid at Defiance City Schools. Betty also enjoyed canning, travel, reading, euchre, embroidering and her family. She will be remembered by daughter: Vickie (Rick) Griffith of Defiance, a sister Virginia Coffee of California, two grandsons: Chase Griffith of Defiance and Connor Griffith of Chicago and nieces and nephews. She will be missed by many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, brothers George Perry and Ernie Perry and a sister Evelyn McCoy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at at St. John Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4th, with Father Todd Dominique officiating. Friends are invited to call Sunday 2-8 p.m. at the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home and Monday from 1-2 at the church. There will be a meal at the VFW immediately after the funeral mass. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers please give memorials to the Defiance County Senior Center. Online condolences and fond memories can be left at www.lawsonroessner.com

Visitation

MAY 3. 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Service

MAY 4. 11:00 AM (EDT)

St. John Catholic 510 Jackson Ave. Defiance, OH, 43512

Visitation

MAY 4. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EDT)

St. John Catholic 510 Jackson Ave. Defiance, OH, 43512