Bettie L. Harkless of Lackawannock Township, formerly of Mitchell Road, Shenango Township, passed away at 11:43 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System, after a period of failing health. She was 96.

Mrs. Harkless was born Dec. 11, 1920, in Sharon, a daughter of Preston and Anna Dunkerley Swarts.

She was a 1939 graduate of Rayen High School, Youngstown, and attended Penn State University, Shenango campus, Sharon, in the 1970s.

Her husband of 61 years, Ray Harkless, whom she married Sept. 19, 1942, passed away Dec. 12, 2003. She and her husband operated the former Harkless Greenhouse on Mitchell Road in Shenango Township for more than 30 years.

She also worked as a chiropractic assistant for Dr. Thomas Mistretta.

Bettie wasraised in the Christian Missionary Alliance Church and had a strong belief in Jesus, her Lord and Savior. She was a former member of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, and most recently attended First Baptist Church, Sharpsville.

Bettie was a founding member of West Middlesex Garden Club.

She and her husband enjoyed traveling in their RV during the winter months, particularly to Edisto Beach, S.C., where she was known as the "queen of the potluck dinners."

Surviving are: three daughters, Mary Harkless, Virginia; Bettie Rae Miller and her husband Gary, Sandy Lake; and Theresa Woods and her husband Raymond "Dan," with whom she most recently made her home; four sons, Frank Harkless, Shenango Township and with whom she formerly lived for many years; Thomas Harkless and his wife Charlotte, Fredonia; Daniel Harkless and his wife Linda, Farrell; and Kevin Harkless, North Carolina; 16 grandchildren, some of whom she helped to raise; 13 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Bettie was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Ralph, Orlo, Clyde and Lawrence Swartz; and Lyle Swarts; and a sister, Margaret Greer.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 185 Union Ave., Sharpsville, PA 16150.


Calling hours: 12:30 p.m. until the time of service Wednesday (1-4-17) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Service: Funeral at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Bruce Rosa, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, Sharpsville, officiating.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Sharpsville.