The Speicher family sadly reports the loss of their mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Speicher on June 22nd 2012. She was 91 years young. Betty was born in Akron, Ohio on December 29th, 1920. She graduated from Kent State University with a degree in physical education. She was an Alpha Phi sorority girl and a cheerleader for basketball season (they didn’t allow cheerleaders for football. it wasn’t ladylike). It was at Kent State that she met (as she put it) the “man of her dreams” Robert Speicher. They were married February 8th 1942. Their first child, Linda, was born at the end of that year. There were 7 more children to follow: Cindy, Debby, Bobby, Lisa, the twins Steve & Greg and finally 20 years after the first, came their last child Leslie. The amazing thing about Betty was her goal in life of being the best wife and mother and she always felt totally secure in her “job”. She managed to find that one special thing about each one of her children and had enough leftover to do the same for her grandchildren which number 17 and 11 great grandchildren. You often found her cross legged on the floor playing Chinese checkers or a game of cards. She was such a great influence on so many lives and never missed a game, a cheerleading competition or a play, of her kids or her grandkids! She also found time to play the one game she loved with friends, Bridge!
Betty lost her battle with Alzheimer’s but no one will ever forget the strong woman she was throughout her life and the family will always remember the singing and harmony and the happy times at Grandmas house!
A memorial service for Betty Speicher will be held at 12:30 Thursday, June 28, 2012 at Brown Colonial Mortuary - 204 W. 17th Street in Santa Ana immediately followed by burial at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest. The family invites you to a reception following the services at the Lake Forest Beach & Tennis Club (22921 Ridge Route Drive, Lake Forest) to share your memories and celebrate the life of this amazing lady. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) in Betty’s name.