Betty Rose Gessi

Betty Rose (Sterling) Gessi Age 90, was born September 12, 1926 in Terre Haute, IN, the daughter of the late Harry and Florence (Powers) Sterling. Betty passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Her beloved husband, Leonard J. Gessi; parents, Harry and Florence; brothers, Herman Sterling, Louis Oden Sterling, Arthur Sterling and Claude Sterling preceded her in death. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Lorrie Gessi; daughters and sons-in-law, Rosanne and Bill Harrison, Judith and Tim Roycraft; grandchildren, James Pierce, Valerie White, Theresa Aponik, Brian Gessi, Kimberly Rockwell, Angela Grissom and Benjamin Harrison; along with 9 great grandchildren; nephew, James Sterling; several other nieces and nephews; and her best friend, her Chihuahua, "Chico." Betty was a communicant of St. Mary's Church. From 1967 to 1980 she, along with Leonard, owned and operated the Tiny Tavern. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Southport Volunteer Fire Department and the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge in Horseheads, NY. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport, NY on Sunday, March 12, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Funeral services celebrating her life will follow the visitation at 4 PM. The Reverend Richard Farrell will officiate. She will be laid to rest with her husband in the Woodlawn National Cemetery on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 11 AM. Betty's tribute wall may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.