Betty Marie Makarius

Betty Marie Makarius, age 93, formerly of Ashville, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Traditions at Lakeview Crossing in Groveport. Betty was born on July 10, 1932, in Cincinnati to the late Edward and Ethel (Archer) Phelan. She was a member of Village Chapel Church. Betty spent many years serving Ohio United Methodist Churches in numerous cities (7) with her husband, Reverend Don C. Makarius who preceded her in death. She was a school secretary at Vinton County Local Schools and later worked at GE in Circleville to help support her husband who was a fulltime pastor while he obtained his undergraduate degree at Ohio University and later obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Methodist Theological Seminary in Delaware Ohio.

In addition to her husband and parents, Betty is preceded in death by brothers, Don and Vincent Phelan and sister, Helen Moore.

She leaves behind sons, Don C. Jr. (Robin) of Indian Lake, David W. (Debbie) of Ashville and Charles E. (Deborah) of Circleville; daughter, Janet (Keith) Prater of Westchester; 12 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Betty married her Butler high school (Vandalia, Ohio) sweetheart (Don Makarius). They began their married life as farmers first in Clinton County and then moved to a farm in Fayette County. Mom and Dad both found the Lord while attending a small Methodist country church (Sugar Grove) in Fayette County. During that special time in their life Dad felt the call to become a fulltime minister. Mom, Dad and all 4 children transitioned from farming, to their first of 7 appointments, as a student pastor in Glouster Ohio. Starting at their second appointment which was in Hamden, Ohio, Mom began working as a school secretary to help with the bills while Dad was attending Ohio University and serving as a fulltime minister. Dad finished his undergraduate degree while serving at Hamden. The third appointment was at East Ringgold, Ohio. It was at East Ringgold that Dad began seminary and Mom took a job at the General Electric plant in Circleville, Ohio. Dad finished his seminary training while serving at East Ringgold.

Mom was the glue that held the family together. She was always able to transform every parsonage from a very imperfect house to a beautiful home. Her talent for home décor (country style) and her gift of organization and housekeeping, welcomed anyone who came into their home. Her gift of hospitality shined most of all. She could whip up a great meal in no time, and whoever sat at her table was made to feel special. From the set table, to the centerpiece, to the meal, to the conversation, she designed and managed it effortlessly. Betty was a loving mother. Her family was always at the forefront of her mind. Their spiritual well-being, and their physical-material needs were all important, and she sacrificed much for each one. By the time Mom and Dad reached midway in their fourth appointment at Baltimore, Ohio, they had become empty nesters. All 4 children were married and living in different locations in Ohio. Mom continued to support Dad as he ministered in 3 additional appointments (Burgess Ave. Columbus, Arcanum, and finally Zanesville).

It was in 2000 that Dad became too sick to continue his ministry. From 2000 to 2002 Mom and Dad and their 3 Son’s worked with contractors to build a new home south of Commercial Point, Ohio. Mom and Dad moved into their new home in May of 2002 and Dad died in August of 2002. Mom missed Dad greatly. Mom was a strong, self-disciplined, and self- motivated woman, who never put off tomorrow what she needed to do today. With God’s help she was able to continue her life in her new home. She was able to keep busy by caring for her home, creating crafts, attending Bible Studies, Floral arranging and also volunteering with Pickaway County hospice for a year or two. Mom never missed church on Sundays and attended various church activities during the week. Mom was able to continue living in her home for 15 years. It was in 2017 that Mom suffered a series of strokes that changed her life significantly. Her mobility was not affected but the stroke had diminished some of her cognitive ability. Because of that, Mom took up residence at the independent living section of Wyngate in Circleville. When she needed more help, she moved to Brookdale (Now Traditions) in Groveport, which was her last earthly residence.

We are grateful and thankful that Mom is now at rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has been reunited with Don and her mother and father. We all have many wonderful memories of our life with Mom and we will cherish them in our hearts and minds forever. Mom’s favorite bible verse was Jeremiah 3:31- … I have loved you with and everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm. Interment to follow at Beckett Cemetery, Commercial Point. Memorial contributions can be made to Village Chapel Church, 30 Viking Way, Ashville, OH 43103. Condolences can be made online at olivercheekfuneralhome.com