Betty Margaret Lemley, 81, of 762 N. Main St., Meadville, passed away Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at home.

Betty was born in Ambridge on April 26, 1928, a daughter of the late Joseph and Rose Essek Roppo. In 1951 Betty married John Lemley; he preceded her in death.

She was a member of New Beginnings Church of God, Meadville.

In her earlier years Betty had been employed by the former Talon Inc. of Meadville for six years but her lifelong passion was working from her home as a self-employed seamstress.

After growing up in Ambridge, Betty moved to the Meadville area and enjoyed spending many summers at Conneaut Lake. In addition to being an excellent seamstress, Betty was a master story teller, articulate in cursive writing, an incredible baker and skilled at making arts and crafts. Her other interests included playing cards, putting puzzles together, reading the Bible and attending Bible study. Betty was involved in various charitable activities and enjoyed doing a lot of ministry, especially on a one-to-one basis.

Betty is survived by two brothers, Joseph Roppo of Madison, Conn., and Michael Roppo and his wife, Mildred, of Ambridge; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, John, Betty was preceded in death by two sisters, Jennie Terregino and Mary Ann Klimkowski.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, from 1 to 2 p.m., where a service to celebrate Betty’s life will be conducted at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 464 Pine St., Meadville, Pa. 16335.

Condolences may be e-mailed to miznerfuneralhome@zoominternet.net.