Betty J. (Rothermel) Balarin

Betty J. Balarin, beloved mother & grandmother, 93, of Wadsworth,

passed away September 8, 2018, after a long illness.

Betty was born August 11, 1925 in Bloomington, IL,

daughter of John Joseph & Osa (Long) Rothermel.

Growing up on a farm, she graduated from McLean High School,

and married Walter R. Suntken on June 6, 1943.

They moved to Clinton, IA, where she was secretary for the

Clinton County Engineer for 18 years.  She had a lifelong love of theater, and was involved with

the Clinton Community Theater; her favorite role was in “Threepenny Opera,” which was

performed on a riverboat on the Mississippi River. 

She was on the Riverboat Days Committee, and in 1976 ran for Clinton County Auditor.

After retirement, Betty moved to northern California. At the age of 57, she obtained her

beauticians license.  She served in the American Legion as a life member of the auxiliary;

was a member and past California State President of the Supreme Emblem Club Business &

Professional Women’s Club; member of Beta Sigma Phi; volunteered at the Vallejo Police

Department; and life member of the VFW Auxiliary. She also served in

Women of the Moose, where she held two degrees: College of Regent & Star Recorder. 

She was Senior Regent of the Vallejo, CA chapter, and a Chaplain.

Betty moved to NE Ohio in 2007. She was very active in church, serving as a Lector & Eucharistic

Minister at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Copley.  She was a master at sewing, an avid

bowler & golfer, and loved to dance.

She volunteered at the Wadsworth Salvation Army, and the Wadsworth Senior Center,

where she also served as Senior Theater Group Director for several years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother (Gerald), and two sisters

(Genevieve and Gwendolyn); and husbands Anthony “Tony” Hauptman and Roy Balarin.

She is survived by her sons, Richard (Carol) Suntken of Ponchatoula, LA,

and Ronald (Shirley) Suntken of Copley; and two grandchildren,

Carrie Suntken of Union, KY  and Adam Suntken of Avon Lake, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either

HMC Hospice of Medina County 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, 44256, or the

Wadsworth Older Adults Foundation PO Box 874, Wadsworth, OH 44282.

Private family services to be held at a later date.

For online tributes and condolences please visit www.CLCfuneralhome.com