Betty Yanakos was the definition of a renaissance woman and a warrior! She was born 7 years before the Great Depression in Pittsburgh, PA, in a row house in North Side, to German and English-Irish immigrant parents. Her father, George "Whitey" Dummar, was a standout player for The Pittsburgh Rabbits, the precursor to the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of her father's best friends in the sporting world was Honus Wagner, who frequented her childhood home on a regular basis while she was growing up!

She excelled in all subjects, skipping two grades in elementary school! Following high school and studies at Duquesne University, she joined the Red Cross to assist in the war effort. In her 30's, she and her first husband, Henry, bought and successfully ran a small neighborhood grocery store for many years. The building still stands on a cobblestone side street in Bellevue, a town in the Pittsburgh area. Some years later, and after graduating from Victoria Modeling School, she moved to Cincinnati with her second husband, August (Gus), and two sons Thomas and Mark. It didn't take long before she became an in-demand model for the Sally Fenster Modeling Agency, modeling in many fashion shows for area department stores, clubs, and restaurants. In addition, Betty was a frequent model on WLWT's, the Paul Dixon Show.

In the late 60's, she created a course and taught 100's of young women the art of good grooming, manners, and self-care through classes sponsored by Shillito's in Kenwood, at the meeting room located in the store. This eventually led to her becoming manager of the department for many years. During this time, Betty also coordinated many community events, including sessions to meet players from the Cincinnati Reds, including Johnny Bench and Pete Rose, charity events, and even Saturday afternoon high school events with local rock & roll bands, her son's, for one, of course! She moved through the ranks as Manager of the China, Silver and Bridal Gift Registry of the Kenwood store, then, in the 80's, as Corporate Director of China, Silver, and Bridal Gift Registries over the entire 3-state region for all Lazarus stores, reporting to Fred Lazarus!

In addition to her professional life, she also wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper, titled, "Your Looking Glass," focusing on beauty and personal care. During this time, without fanfare, Betty financially sponsored a family in India. The letters of thanks and gratitude from the mother of the family are still among the treasured items she kept.

Perhaps her proudest achievement in life was her many years of teaching, counseling, and helping the young girls who attended Girls Town, a facility on North Bend Rd in Colerain. She became deeply involved assisting those who had lost their family or their course in life and was a key force in fundraisers. She was a strong role model for so many, guiding young women in their goals towards a successful life journey. A highlight of this time was her sponsoring and escorting the famous actress, Loretta Young, to Girls Town, further enhancing its mission and financial stability!

She retired in 1987 to be home with Gus who had retired from GE a few years prior. This led to her becoming his sole caregiver over the next decade during his challenges with Alzheimer's, at home for many years, and then in a supportive role at his memory care community. She visited him every day for hours until his passing in 2000, with never a complaint. Gus referred to her all his life as, "Girl!" She loved that, and him, deeply!

Betty's life reflected two strong and never-wavering tenets, her faith in God and her love and total commitment to her family! Each one of us felt her arms around us in good times or bad, offering words of comfort, and prayers said silently or together. No matter what the trouble or trespass had been, she was there, never judging, but always loving! This, we all know, is what will be missed most. Our center is gone.

After retirement and Gus's passing, Betty remained engaged for many years as a Eucharistic Minister, bereavement counselor, and sponsor for new Catholics, volunteering at Arden Courts of Kenwood, and attending Kenwood Women's Club events. Still driving her beloved 1992 Buick LeSabre until she was 95, she lived independently in her Kenwood home in Heitmeyer Farms until she was 97! Following health setbacks, she resided at Magnolia Springs Senior Living, Memory Care in Loveland for a few years, where the staff gave her much love and care (thank you all)! She lived her final months at The Kenwood by Senior Star, Memory Care unit. Betty knew, remembered, and loved every member of her family up to her final day…. a true-life force and warrior every minute of her life!

We cherish and love you, Gammy! As you always said to us, "Love you, love you….bye for now!"

Betty is preceded in death by her devoted husband August J. Yanakos and loving son Thomas Regis Glevicky. She is survived by her devoted son Mark Michael (Kim) Glevicky, seven grandchildren Gregory Glevicky, Bryan Glevicky, Leisa (Christian) Kanienberg, Jennifer (Ryan) Ament, Gavin (Stefanie) Glevicky, Adam Glevicky, Austin Glevicky, and eight great-grandchildren Owen Kanienberg, Vivien Kanienberg, Ethan Ament, Gabriel Ament, Jemma Glevicky, Kieran Glevicky, Neela Glevicky and Layla Glevicky.