Betty Marie Picklesimer, 74, of Bluffton, died at 4 p.m. Aug. 26, 2011, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. She was born July 13, 1937, in Vanlue to Charles and Eva Watson Grant. On July 25, 1958, she married James Leo Picklesimer and he preceded her in death on Oct. 29, 1996.

Mrs. Picklesimer graduated from Mt. Blanchard High School and attended Ohio Northern University where she received a 2-year teaching certificate.

She taught fifth grade at Van Buren School, was secretary and library aid at Bluffton Middle School and secretary to the superintendent at Bluffton Schools.

She had been a member of the Lonesome Valley United Baptist Church and then became a member of St. John Mennonite Church, Pandora. She was an 11-year volunteer at Bridge Hospice where she founded the Hope Bear program.

Survivors include a son, James Michael (Jenny) Picklesimer of Columbus Grove, three daughters, Joyce Marie (Gregus) Smith of Bluffton, Delpha Jean Miracle of Findlay, Jana (Joe) Theis of Arlington, 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, a sister, Donna Jean Zoll of Leesburg, Fla., and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, John Thompson, a brother, Don Grant, a sister, Nellie Marie Grant, and an infant brother.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Rev. Lynn Thompson will officiate.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chile-lamanfh.com.