Betty J. Stafford, formerly of Mayfield Rd., Sharpsville, passed away peacefully of natural causes at 10:10 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2019, in Sharon Regional Medical Center.  She was 97.

Mrs. Stafford was born April 29, 1921, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Harold Leroy and Lida May (Kremis) Dickson.  She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1943 from the former Christian H. Buhl Hospital School of Nursing.  Her nursing career was long and varied including numerous positions at what is now Sharon Regional Medical Center.  She was a dedicated nurse who lovingly cared for many people until she retired at the age of 72.  She is fondly remembered and spoken about by many people in the Sharon area.

Mrs. Stafford was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Sharon.

She was married to Harold L. Stafford for 66 years until his passing in 2010.  From 1948 to 1968, they owned Stafford Cleaners in Sharpsville and lived on Mayfield Road where they raised their three sons, Brian, Doug and Bruce.  For the past six years, Mrs. Stafford was a resident of The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley where she made new friends and won the hearts of many.

Mrs. Stafford is survived by her son, Brian and his wife Martha; grandchildren, Ben and his wife Sarah; Maggie and her husband Okan; and Holly; great grandchildren, Max, Tyler, Juliet, Will, Calvin and Alexandra; and a sister, Dody Edwards.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons, Douglas and J. Bruce; and eight siblings.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Buhl Park, 715 Hazen Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State St., Sharon, PA 16146; or to The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley, 1 Elston Way, Hermitage, PA 16148.

A Celebration-of-Life service for Mrs. Stafford is being planned by her family for a future date.