BETHANY F. SCHUNKE (HIRTLE)

   Bethany "Betty" F. (Hirtle) Schunke, 81, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2009. Her husband of 54 years, John H. Schunke, died in 2001. She leaves a daughter, Janet L., and her husband Warren Randall Rickards of Worcester; a sister, Opal Morse; two grandchildren; Scott Rickards and Bethany Dolimount; three great-grandchildren; Michaela, Jacob, and Kathryn; many nieces, nephews; and two close friends, Kay and Mabel. She was predeceased by a brother, Oscar, and two sisters, Hope and Pearl. 

   Betty was born in Worcester, daughter of Stewart A. and Edith B. (Meisner) Hirtle.  She was a graduate of Commerce High School. Betty was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed taking trips to Cape Cod and Maine and loved to bake.

   The funeral service will be held at 12 o'clock noon, Monday, Feb. 16, at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street. A period of visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Ave., Worcester MA 01606.