Betty Jane Elizabeth (Cornelius) Dickey

Betty Jane Elizabeth (Cornelius) Dickey, 89, of Fawn Township, Allegheny County, passed away peacefully Nov. 20 with her loving daughter and beloved son-in-law at her side in their Willowick, Ohio, home following a long, brave battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Betty Jane was born Oct. 29, 1926, in Butler, to Savalla Elizabeth (Hillard) Cornelius and Raymond C. Cornelius, and soon after was raised by her then-single mother on her grandparents' farm in Karns City, Pa.

An honor student, she graduated from Karns City high school in 1944, followed by enrollment into Butler County Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her registered nurse diploma in 1947.

Upon graduation from nursing school, she began what would become a lifelong career as a labor and delivery nurse; a true calling which she loved and never viewed as “just a job.” During her career, she assisted in the delivery of perhaps thousands of babies in the A-K Valley and was loved by her co-workers and patients alike.

In 1949, she married the love of her life, Ralph William Dickey, and settled down in Fawn Township, where they lived together for over 63 years.

As a member of the Center United Methodist Church, Fawn Township, for over 63 years, she selflessly emersed herself into all aspects and duties of her church as a faithful servant of her Lord Jesus Christ. She shared her love of God, not only with her words but with her deeds every day. She lived to befriend everyone she met, was fiercely loyal to all her friends and never spoke ill of anyone.

Upon retirement, Betty Jane was able to enjoy more time traveling, taking gambling trips with her girlfriends, working in her yard, raising her beautiful flowers and dedicating herself to community activism and supporting the Democratic party. She especially devoted herself to remaining a member and officer of her local branch of T.O.P.S., her “every third Thursday Luncheon” group, consisting of her fellow retired O.B. co-workers and loved spending time with their many friends at their Natrona Heights McDonald's.

In addition to her parents and sister, Mary Ann Cornelius, Betty Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Ralph William Dickey, who passed away on July 12, 2015. She also was preceded in death by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Helen Dickey, John D. Dickey, Mary Louise (Dickey) Hughes and her husband, Clyde, Helen M. (Dickey) Cypher and her husband, Clarence, and Charles George.

She is survived by her daughter, Janie Gale (Dickey) Hill; her beloved son-in-law, Eugene R. (Gene) Hill; her sister-in-law, Ellen M. (Dickey) George; her brother-in-law, Roy M. Dickey and his wife, DeAnna; as well as several nieces and nephews.

DICKEY — The family of Betty Jane (Elizabeth) Cornelius Dickey, who died Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, wishes to thank the Concordia Hospice of Cabot and the Crossroads Hospice of Cleveland, Ohio, for their caring and compassionate nursing staffs, whose help and loving support was invaluable.In observance of Betty Jane's wishes, there will be no viewing or funeral services. Instead, the family will plan a special memorial service later.The Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home of Natrona Heights is assisting with the arrangements.To send an on line condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.