Betty Ann Gossage

GOSSAGE, Betty Ann, passed away on August 8, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of the late Elmer and Ann (nee Hanselman) Belk.

Loving mother of Michael (Georganna) Gossage and Terri (the late Bill) Westerhaus. Cherished grandmother of Curt (Cristy) Cooper, Christopher (Ashley) Gossage, Luke (Erica) Adams, Kate (Nate) Smith, Beth (Grayson) Combs, Julie (Brandon) Hargis, and David (Samantha) Westerhaus. Dear great-grandmother of Cassie (Nolan) Speer, Cayli and Chloe Cooper, Maryanna, Meliton, Bryan, and Ryan Gossage, Penelope, Scarlett, Grayson Jr., and Matilda Combs, Abby and Jake Adams, Regan, Liam, and Willow Smith. Beloved sister of Maxine (late Bill) McLaughlin. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews along with other family members and amazing friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 53 years, Al Gossage, her dear brother-in-law Bill McLaughlin, and sweet son-in-law Bill Westerhaus.

Betty Gossage, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and joy. To her, she was more than family — she was their cheerleader, teacher, and card partner.

Betty was the beloved wife of the late Al Gossage, her best friend and dancing partner for life. Together, they were social butterflies who loved nothing more than playing cards, dancing, shuffleboarding, and traveling with friends. They began as snowbirds in Florida before becoming full-time residents, soaking up the sunshine and friendships that surrounded them. Their love was deep and genuine. The kind of love that could light up a room. After Al’s passing, Betty returned to Cincinnati to be closer to her family.

A woman of fierce determination and unmatched work ethic, Betty built a career as an executive secretary at Digital Equipment Corporation. Known for her lightning-fast shorthand and typing, her fingers could make a typewriter’s keys fly faster than anyone in the company. Her coworkers admired her efficiency, but her family admired even more the drive she brought to every part of her life. She ironed Al’s shirts, made a full breakfast for her family, all before leaving for work at 7:30!

Betty was a member at Grace Communion Cincinnati Church. Prior to that, Betty and Al were long-time members of Lindenwald United Methodist Church. Betty had a strong relationship with God that guided her life.

Betty loved the simple joys, like the color pink, the feeling of her hands in the garden soil, and the magic of the holidays. She traveled whenever she could, making memories that would be retold for years. No day ever began without her coffee and a completed newspaper crossword puzzle.

She also had a colorful way with words. If the weather was sweltering, you could count on hearing her declare, “It’s hotter than a bull’s hoof!” And when greeting her daughter or granddaughters, “Honey Bunny” was always the name she used, no matter how grown-up they became.

Betty’s love of games was legendary in the family. She taught her grandchildren how to play dominoes and 500 rummy, and countless family gatherings ended with everyone laughing around the card table. Even after moving to Twin Towers Retirement Home, she could always be found with a deck of cards in hand and a smile on her face, ready for the next round with friends.

Her life was full (as well as her social calendar) — full of adventure, full of hard work, full of deep love. Betty’s warmth, humor, and unshakable spirit will live on in the games they play and in the way they love each other — just as she taught them. She will be missed beyond words, but remembered with smiles, laughter, and the phrase, “say peaches” when taking a picture, echoing in their hearts.

Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, August 12, in the Twin Towers Chapel at 5343 Hamilton Ave.

A Celebration of Life will follow in the Parkview Room (around the back) at the Twin Towers Retirement Community. Lunch will be provided.

Betty will be laid inurned at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Suncrest Hospice at 9050 Centre Pointe Dr., Suite 100, West Chester Township, OH 45069.

B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home serving the family. Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com.