Alvira E. “Betty” McTish, 94, of Allentown, died Feb. 27, 2025, in Lehigh Valley Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Matthew J. McTish. Born in Confluence, Somerset County, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Ruth (Buzard) Shipley.

She was a 1948 graduate of Salamanca High School, graduate of Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, Buffalo, N.Y. and a graduate of East Stroudsburg University for School Nursing.

She worked as a registered nurse for 36 years and retired in 1988 from the East Penn School District.

She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

She was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of State Retirees and a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels of the Lehigh Valley. She was also a regular blood donor.

She adored her family and spent endless hours playing cards, board games and puzzles with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to travel. Highlights of her trips were when the grandchildren turned 10 years old and were taken on a two-week vacation with grandma and pops. She spent many winters in Myrtle Beach, S.C., which became a favorite meeting place for family vacations.

Her love of baking and cooking were shared with friends and at many family gatherings.

She was an avid sports fan always cheering for her Pittsburgh teams.

She is survived by her sons, Matthew P. and his wife, Lorraine, David J. and his wife, Carolyn, Daniel J. and his wife, Sally; grandchildren, Ryan, Adam, Emily, Erika, Patrick and Justin; nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by siblings, Wilbur Shipley, Ralph Shipley, Barbara Shipley, Catherine Williams and Evelyn Shoup.

A Christian Mass of Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. May 8 in St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. in the church. A St. Luke’s Nurse Honor Guard presentation will be held 10:45 a.m.

Schantz Funeral Home, PC., Emmaus, is handling arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Parkland Community Library, 4422 Walbert Ave., Allentown, 18104 or Meals on Wheels of the Lehigh Valley, 1302 N. Sherman St., Allentown, 18109.