Betty D. Ross, 76, of Allentown, died Dec. 11, 2016, in her home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Robert E. Ross. They were married 56 years. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Edward O. and Alice S. Alpha.

She volunteered with Meals on Wheels during the early 1970s and the Salisbury Youth Association for her children’s sports activities. During the 1980s and 1990s she worked at the Handyman hardware store and became known as the ‘Hardware Lady’ to all of the regulars. After the Handyman closed, she began volunteering at the Elephant’s Trunk in Emmaus where she served both as a manager and driving force in the consignment store’s success until its recent closing.

As an animal lover and long-term dog owner, she started ‘Betty Camp’ to provide a nice temporary home to dogs while their families could enjoy their vacations.

Camping was a love of Betty’s as the family had many annual sites which were visited with co-camper family and friends. She took her love of travel overseas when she visited her daughter who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. She was proud of her daughter’s 26 years of service.

She enjoyed reading and shared that with her eldest grandson, Connor. Her youngest grandson Evan, although estranged, was loved by his grandmother as her heart ached to see him one last time during her final days.

She is survived by her husband; daughter, TerryLynn and her lifelong friend Debbie Pfeifer; son, Rhody K. and his wife Beverly; grandsons, Connor M. and Evan C.; brother Edward ‘Bud’ Alpha and his wife Norean; brother-in-law, Richard and his wife Susan; brother-in-law Walter ‘Waldo’; many nephews and nieces.

Contributions may be made in her name to “The Sanctuary in Haafsville,” 901 Nestle Way, Breinigsville, 18031 or www.thesanctuarypa.org

A private family memorial service will be held in the spring which was her favorite time of the year when all her birds came back to nest. Arrangements were made by the Boyko Funeral Home, Allentown.