Bette Ann (DeSalvo) Damron

Bette Ann (DeSalvo) Damron, age 78, of Shelby, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 at the home which she shared with her husband, Frank, for 57 years. Throughout her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s she continued to love and appreciate her family, friends, and caregivers as they journeyed with her.
Bette was born April 11, 1946 in Shelby to the late Augustine L. “Gus” and Anne M. (Lanni) DeSalvo. A 1964 graduate of Shelby High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen, Bette continued her education at North Central Technical College earning an associate degree in nursing. For 27 years, Bette cared for patients as a Registered Nurse.
Bette loved being a wife, mother, and grandma. Her love and dedication to her family was unmatched and she leaves a beautiful legacy behind. On August 19, 1967 she married Franklin Delano Damron. Frank survives along with their daughters: Dawn Yates and Deanie (Todd) Kehres both of Shelby; grandchildren: Zach (Cheyenne) Yates, Brennan (Sarah) Yates, Tristan Kehres, Brock Kehres (Holly), and Ethan Yates (Kelsey); great grandchildren: Hadley, Georgia, and Lander; sisters: Helen Damron and Sandra DeSalvo; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Bette was preceded in death by a son: Luke Damron; and infant brother: Daniel Louis DeSalvo.
Our family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease brough new lessons to us all. We re-learned the value of patience, the strength of unconditional love, and the beauty of cherishing each moment. We tried to laugh more than we cried; but failed some days- miserably. That’s when God, our faith, and close friends held us up. We were blessed with caregivers we could not have lived without: Stephanie Smith, Lynn Brook, Monica Stanford, and Susie Martinez Radivic.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a prayer service will take place at 6:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where Bette was a lifelong member, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will officiate the services with burial following in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters for the benefit of the basketball program. Contributions may be left in the care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be left on Bette’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
To view Bette’s Tribute Video click here: Bette’s Tribute Video
Frank, Deanie (Best), Todd, Tristan, and Brock, Bette was a big part of my life and Brooke’s; as she called her Grandma Bette. I will forever hold the memories of our gatherings in my heart and cherish them always. Cheers Bette!
We love ❤️ and will miss you! Until we meet again.
My condolences to Bette’s family especially Deanie who followed in her precious mama’s footsteps as a nurse. A beautiful family through trials and joyous occasions. Prayers of comfort and peace for the Damron family.
Sincerely,
Leti
I extend my sympathy to all of your family. I have many good memories of Bob spending at lot time at your. Bette was a warm an kind.person. Much love. Barbara
Frank, Deanie and Dawn and to all of Bette’s family, please accept our deepest condolences! She was such a wonderful lady!
Sending prayers for peace and comfort!
Bill and Sue
My thoughts, prayers, hugs and deepest sympathy to each of you!
Dawn and Deannie
Sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother May God grant her eternal life and peace! May the Lord be with you during this time!
My deepest condolences.
Frank and family – Jan and I are so sorry for your loss. Alzheimers is such a terrible illness. You truly loose them twice.
Barb & Jan Kaple
We send our deepest sympathy to Bette’s family. She was a very friendly & caring person.
Dean is and family sending sympathy and prayers
Frank, Deanie and Dawn,
Many prayers and much live during this time for you all! I will always cherish the JayCee memories from years past.
Lisa (Betts) Lear
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Damron Family. Take comfort in knowing that Bette is now with her Lord in heaven.
Bette was a beautiful lady…body, mind, and soul. I regret that we are unable to make the trip to Shelby to personally extend our condolences and to say goodbye to my sweet cousin. So many fond memories will keep her alive in our hearts for always. Love and deepest sympathy to the family.
To the Damron, Yates and Kehres Families,
Bette was a fabulous nurse. We were so sorry to read about her passing. Please accept our sympathies and prayers.
The Ron Nelson Family
I am sadden to hear that my Aunt Bette died on Monday. I send my thoughts and prayers to my Uncle Frank and my cousins who I dearly love. May God bless at this time. RIP Aunt Bette.
Betty was such a wonderful and loving person. Have known her for a few years and she was always so kind and caring to me. Such a beautiful sweet lady. I love you Betty. FrankI am so very sorry for your loss. Love you Frank
Our deepest condolences.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Bette was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed by many.
Darrell and Marilyn
My condolences to the Damron family. Frank always spoke so lovingly of Bette when I worked with him many years ago, and it was obvious how much he cared for her and their wonderful family. What a beautiful life and legacy!
So saddened to hear of your loss my longtime friend Frank and family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you have been for some time now. God bless you all.
Prayers for your family …I will remember her most through pictures on FB & she always had that beautiful smile….her beauty —both inside & out— she passed on to her daughters…she is now with Luke so how precious is that? Hugs
Much love to you all from the Granger family. Bette was always very sweet and a joy to see and be around each time we got to visit with you all at the DeSalvo family reunions.
Many wonderful memories. Peace be with you all.
Our deepest sympathy to all the grieving family members. Bette was a wonderful person and we will miss her dearly. We have so many loving memories of her, the Damron, and DeSalvo families.
Much love and condolences from the Henrickson Family – Heather, Jess, Evan, & Ruby
In the past couple of years we have been blessed to get to know and love your family. Love hearing about all the great times your family shared.
Betty was truly one of the most loving and caring people, even through her battle her wit and sense of humor was such a joy.
Throughout this long battle and struggle with a terrible disease,
I know there was and will be lots of tears and days of sadness.
I pray there will come a time your family can in time once again only smile and share laughter as you remember things about Betty. We were truly blessed to have known her and the family. As always you will be held in my daily devotions.
With much love,
Deb (Steph’s mom)
Aunt Betty has always been a pure heart. Absolutely gorgeous inside and out. Kind and patient. Best of Moms. Absolutely devoted to Uncle Frank and her babies. Reigning Queen in Uncle Franks heart Forever. Still see her in my minds eye sitting on my grandparents sofa beside Uncle Frank. They were a beautiful young couple. Deanie and Dawn so sorry you are going through this. You were blessed with an amazing Mom. Uncle Frank no words can touch your loss. Prayers and hugs to you all. Aunt Betty fly high in the arms of Jesus
To the Damron Family, so sorry for your loss of Bette Ann, Wife, Mother, Grand Mother, Sister, I’m sure she will be missed dearly. May God Bless and Keep You and Yours Always! Fred…..
My condolences to the family betty was a wonderful person her suffering is gone now we wish the family well rex Rgo
Frank and Betty’s family my heart goes out to you all!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
And You have my deepest sympathy.
Betty was the sweetest lady.
My deepest condolences.
Frank, Dawn, Deannie and the entire family we are saddened by Bette’s passing. Hugs and prayers for all of you. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sisters:
Yes, you were the best. So many trips to the airport to pick me up and never
a complaint. Thanks also goes to brother-in-law, Frank. We all had so much fun together.
Like many sisters, we had secrets, we laughed, we shared books, and she loved to come visit me in NM. She loved the mountains, the air, the blue sky, and the Turquoise!
We spent a lot of time at the lake, our favorite pass time, with so many beautiful memories! We did ordinary things like shopping at the mall, going to church together, going to the movies, and sharing a glass of wine.
But we know, Bette was no ordinary person. She was always helping others
who reached out to her. She never said no. She loved to have family and friends over for dinner and cookouts!
We all grieve for having lost you but rejoice that you no longer suffer. My
life changed forever several years ago, as we noticed your decline. Coming home isn’t the same, Shelby isn’t the same, life isn’t the same.
But we know you are in a better place. Your last breath on earth is your
first breath in Heaven.
My condolences to my nieces Deanie and Dawn, and to her husband Frank.
So sorry to hear this tragic news. Bette was such a wonderful person and a great Shelby Whippet. I am very sorry for your loss. Bette is a great loss to the class of ’64 as well. May God give you all peace and assurance. So very sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences to Frank and family. Bette was a beautiful person, both inside and out.
Whenever I was around Frank & Bette I could see their love for each other radiating around them.
Dear Damron and DeSalvo families, we have lost a beautiful friend. Sandy you, your sisters, your family, so many memories, so much to treasure. I am genuinely sorry for your loss. May God bring you solace. Much love, Susie
Mr. Damron, Dawn and Deanie, we have been traveling and I just learned of Mrs. Damron’s passing. You are all in our prayers for comfort and eternal peace to her.
In deepest sympathy,
The Phillips Family