John L. "Jack" Betteridge

ohn Leonard Betteridge, 89, a lifetime area resident, died Friday, June 17, 2022, of cancer.

Always known as 'Jack', he was born July 10, 1932, in East Liverpool Ohio; the second son of Flave and Mildred Betteridge. His trademark smile, enthusiasm for life, and boundless energy were things Jack shared with his family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. At age 16, Jack entered the military. He served 4 years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Returning home, he was a truck driver in the early years before hiring on at Crucible Steel, later retiring from J & L Steel. Jack served as an Officer with United Steelworkers Local 1212. He was vigilant to stay on top of workforce issues.

While working at the mill to support his family, Jack always made time for community service. Including: being one of the organizers of the Bill Booth Football League; he was hands-on with Beaver Local Boosters Club and helped to develop the happy Beaver Mascot. Jack's active support of his children in sports, and their friends, was admired and respected thru the decades; he was elected and re-elected 3rd Ward Councilman in East Liverpool, serving 12 years – a record, then. Residents knew they could count on Jack, and he took that responsibility to heart. His vitality and interest in life made a positive difference to all who loved him. His wife and children never doubted that Dad could fix or build anything because he always did! Wood, metal, gears & sprockets - he had the skill-set. Jack's friends and neighbors who asked for his assistance got the help they needed and a great story, too. Maintaining a beautiful home was a life-long priority. He was that kind of man.

Leisure time was best-enjoyed boating on Lake Erie and taking special vacations with family. Later in life, he referred to himself as 'Happy Jack'. Simply stated, Jack Betteridge used every ounce of his boundless life energy.

The Betteridge family includes his wife of 39 years, Karen Nearhoof, and his loving, constant companion dog Peggy, of the home. Children, by birth order - Christine Jackson, ELO; Virginia 'Jenny' Croft deceased June 2021, son-in-law Rich Croft, Lisbon; John Betteridge, FL; Kelly Betteridge, Hammondsville; Brandon and Krista Betteridge, VA. Grandchildren: Jon Croft, Bruce Croft, Ashley Handley, Erica Greaves, Courtney Shaw, Tom Jackson, and five great-grandchildren. Siblings: sister Virginia May Ferguson, deceased; sister Joyce Bell; brother David and Ginnie Betteridge; brother Raymond Betteridge, deceased and sister-in-law Verla Betteridge. In-laws: Connie and Robert Panzer; Bill and Cathy Nearhoof, all of MD.

Per his wishes, there is no public service, but rather a private family memorial. Karen and the Betteridge family extend sincere thanks to the caring hospice personnel who tended to Jack's end-of-life needs. Those who wish to honor Jack's life can do so by volunteering to support our tri-state community that he so loved. Acts of kindness in his memory are appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John L. "Jack" Betteridge, please visit our floral store.