Betty Jean Friess

AKRON - Betty Jean Friess, 84, passed away June 24, 2023 with her family by her side. Mother has completed her mission. She has joined loved ones on the other side of this life. She was a loving mother and friend to many. Betty had the Norton sense of humor and she never allowed the physical adversities of life to slow her down. Her favorite verse was “Serve ye one another, what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” - R.W. Emerson.

In 1957 Betty graduated from Coventry High School and worked at a mortgage company. Then she went to Ohio Bell, where they assigned her to large companies where she’d operate their PBX phone systems. She enjoyed golf with lady friends, downhill skiing and was an avid reader. For 40 years she was a member of the Akron Business and Professional Women’s Club, which provides college scholarships for single women to earn their degrees at the University of Akron. Betty also supported the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood and Portage Lakes Kiwanis.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Russel Friess; son, Jeffrey Friess; parents, Harold and Lawana Norton; brother, Larry Norton; sisters, Alice Norton Harrison, Kimberly Norton Phillips. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Jeanette (Rick) Bell; grandson, Jonathan (Ashley) Bell; great granddaughters, Kristen, Meredith; sisters, Novella Norton Johnston, Linda Norton; cousinin-laws, Barbara Norton, Laurie Norton; special friends, Carol Derry, Theresa Burdette.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will have a celebration of her life at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial donations in Betty’s name to the Humane Society of Summit County, 7996 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087.