Obituary of Elizabeth J. Redding

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Redding "Community Organizer, Volunteer" OLEAN – Elizabeth J. "Betty " Redding of 3488 Route 16 died Monday December 15, 2003 at the Olean General Hospital following a short illness. Born in Olean on December 19, 1925 she was a daughter of Orrin and Pearl Carlson Oakley. On April 15, 1950 she married Donald W. Redding who survives. Mrs. Redding worked for the United States Navy in Washington, D.C. during WWII. She was employed locally at !KaBar Cutlery and worked from her home for John Ash Cleaners for more than 30 years. She co-owned and operated Redding Trailer Sales from 1964 through 1974 and Redding Swimming Pool Supplies from 1974 to the present with her husband. Betty was a committed organizer and volunteer in both her community and her church. She was a founding member of the Hinsdale PTA, a charter member and past president of the Hinsdale American Legion Auxiliary post 1434, founding member and former officer of the Olean Woman's Bowling Association, founding member of the local chapter of the National Association of Campers and Hikers, served on the Hinsdale Recreation Commission, Hinsdale Historical Society, past president and longtime volunteer of the Olean General Hospital Auxiliary and was a volunteer driver for the Veteran's Administration. She was currently active as a member of the Sunshine Club and Philomathic Society, the treasurer of the Hinsdale Guys and Gals Club and had been volunteering several days a week at the Olean Food Pantry. Along with her longtime friend Ilomay Thomas, she started a local chapter of the Red Hatters Club. Betty was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church where she served on the Vestry, Alter Guild and as lay reader. Betty was an avid bowler and golfer and she won many awards and tournaments. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children Beverly A. (Leon) Pearsall of Bainbridge, NY, Dennis Oakley Redding of Hinsdale and Barbara E. Thropp of Hampton, VA; two granddaughters Erica (Jason) Pearsall – Hall of Delmar, MD and !LeAnne (Jeremy) Pearsall – Reach of Atlanta, GA; two step-great grandchildren Matthew and Raleigh Hall and a great grandson Eian Hall; one sister Dolores Bryant of Olean and one brother Orrin "Bus" (Mary Ann) Oakley of Hinsdale; numerous nieces and nephews and a long time family friend John Meyer. She was predeceased by a brother Warren James Oakley and his wife Sibyl,a son-in-law Joseph Thropp and a brother-in-law Jack Bryant. Friends will be received Thursday December 18, 2003 from 2-5 and 7-9 at the Casey Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 West State Rd., Olean. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday December 19, 2003 at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 109 South Barry St., Olean. Rev. T. James Snodgrass, Rector will officiate. Burial and committal will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Olean Food Pantry or to the Hinsdale American Legion Auxiliary.