Obituary of Edward Betley

Edward "Butch" George Betley was born in Romeo, Michigan on January 17, 1943. He was the son of the late George Betley and the late Stella (Smiles) Betley. Butch attended Flat Rock High School. Butch met the love of his life the former Sharon Shock in 1986. The couple was joined in marriage on June 14, 1996 in Toledo, Ohio. Butch worked as a Truck Driver and Heavy Equipment Operator for Oerther Brothers Trucking & Excavating. His employment spanned some forty years before his retirement in 2000. Butch lived by the credo, "work hard and play harder". He enjoyed visiting flea markets and garage sales. He liked collecting die cast cars and over the years had obtained quite a collection. Butch loved the outdoors, and as a young man had enjoyed riding motorcycles. He was looking forward to the day when he would be able to ride again. Although he was known to be stubborn, Butch was true and loyal to his friends, and enjoyed shooting pool with them. Butch also cherished family, especially his grandchildren. His best friend was his Labrador Basset Hound Mix named Shadow. Together the two of them went everywhere. Butch enjoyed sitting down with a cup of coffee and listening to his Oldies on 104.3 or anything Country. Edward "Butch" George Betley, age 70 of Newport, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2013 at home under the care of Great Lakes Caring Hospice. His health had steadily declined recently and he had been hospitalized each month the past year. His passing was preceded by his parents. To cherish his memory, Butch leaves behind his loving partner of twenty-seven years: Sharon "Sherrie" Shock-Betley; three daughters: Carla Wright of Dearborn, Angie Bramlett of Gibraltar, and Melissa (Justin) Johns of Toledo; two sons: Nathan (Maria) Betley and Martin "Buck" Betley; a sister: Christine (Gus) Tallman of Romulus; many grandchildren; and his dog: Shadow. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 also at Merkle's. Reverend John Schinckel will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.