Marie "Betty" Fishley

Marie Elizabeth "Betty" Fishley passed from this life on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, relinquishing her long-recognized title as The World's Sweetest Woman. She recently celebrated her 96th birthday with family members at Park Village, where she lived happily for the last eight years.

Betty was born in St. Louis, MO to Oscar and Lily (Youngblueth) Jost. Her father was a professional musician who passed his love of music on to his daughter. Betty won numerous piano competitions and earned a scholarship to St. Mary of the Woods, where she graduated with honors. Betty later served as organist at Grace Lutheran Church and was a member of the hand bell choir at the United Methodist Church.

Betty married chemist James W. Dunn and moved to the Dover area in 1949, where he partnered in the establishment of the Miracle Adhesive Company in New Philadelphia. After his death in 1961, Betty worked in the X-ray Department at Union Hospital. She married William S. Fishley in 1968 and presided over the family with him until his death in 1981. She served as a Mobile Meals volunteer for several years.

Betty enjoyed playing bridge and was a lifelong enthusiast. She was a longtime member of Union Country Club and remained socially active there for many years. An avid sports fan, Betty followed the Dover Football Tornadoes along with the Browns and Indians. Her best advice was to "just be happy" and she will be remembered for living that message with kindness, warmth, and humility. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the entire Park Village staff for their friendship and care extended to Betty throughout her years there.

In addition to her two husbands, Betty was preceded in death by sister, Elaine (Jost) Hayes, son David M. Dunn, and grandson, James Todd Dunn.

She is survived by sons James R. (Lydia) Dunn, Michael W. Dunn, and Thomas J. (Jordan) Dunn; daughters Diane M. (Reed) Fisher, Julie A. Fishley (Oner) Kirk and Joy E. Reed, thirteen grandchildren and (soon to be) eleven great grandchildren.

Betty's life will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 beginning at 7pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with her grandson, Pastor Tim Dunn officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-7pm. She will be privately be laid to rest Wednesday in the Dover Burial Park. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Betty may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com