Elizabeth “Betty” Duerr Faulkner, age 101, passed away Friday, July 31st at Hospice of Dayton. She had been a resident at St. Leonard’s since 2013. Betty was preceded in death by husbands Rex Duerr and Charles Faulkner. Also, her brother, George Strayer (Martha), and parents, Clyde and Mary Strayer. 

Betty was born in Dayton, February 7, 1925. She graduated from Stivers High School in 1943 then enrolled in the Cadet Nurse Training Program at Miami Valley School of Nursing, graduating in 1946. Had World War II continued, Betty would have been assigned to a military medical facility. Her nursing career spanned more than 40 years. 

Betty’s passion was entertaining friends and family with dinners in her home. After moving to St. Leonard’s, she became known as the ‘cookie lady’, baking thousands of cookies over the years to share with friends at coffee hour and other gatherings. Later, if you entered her room Betty insisted you leave with the latest dish towel she had acquired or some Oreo’s, Hershy Bar’s or a bag of Cheez-its. 

Betty is survived by her sister, Sara Byrd (Don), brother Jim Strayer, niece Amanda Byrd (Andrew Hautman), dear cousins Christie Brightwell and Tommy Brightwell (Nancy), second cousin, Alison Brightwell-Balot (Shad) and step-daughter Terri Hurd (Rolland). 

A memorial service will be held at St. Leonard’s chapel Friday, August 21st, at 11:00 am, with the family greeting guests prior to the service. A private family burial will follow.