Teresa Ann Bettinger, loving, courageous woman

Teresa Ann Bettinger, 58, of Campbell, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2022, after battling a long illness. 

Teresa was born July 1, 1963, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, to the late Joseph and Cecelia (Chapman) Merlo. Teresa was a warranty administrator for Hill International in Ohio, and a former member of the Elkridge, Md. Volunteer Fire Department. 

Although Teresa was born in Delaware, her family moved to Maryland, where she grew up and graduated from Laurel High School in Laurel, Md., in 1981. 

Teresa was a movie buff, an avid reader, a wolf enthusiast, a Disney fanatic, as well as an animal lover, especially to her cats and her dog, Bear. She was a very loving, caring, courageous, and strong woman who was very loved and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Teresa is preceded in death by her husband, David Bettinger, the love of her life; her paternal grandparents, John and Anna Kenney; maternal grandparents, Bernard and Helen Brooks; and sons-in-law, Jarrett Gregory and Anthony Kewer. 

Teresa is survived by her twin daughters, Anne Gregory and Shannon Kewer (Anthony Gregory), both of Delaware; stepdaughters, Kendra Schmitz (Kevin) of Iowa, Theresa Schroeder (Dave) of Maryland, Shelly Abell (Chris) of Maryland; siblings, Robert Payton Jr. (Connie) of Delaware, William Payton of Florida, Carol Harmon (John) of New York, Debra DeVincent of Delaware, and Cassie Merlo-Scruggs (Ernie) of Delaware; sister-in-law, Karen Bettinger Marshall of Maryland; grandchildren, Cecelia Kewer, Anthony Kewer II, Jackson Gregory, Aaron Gregory and Abigail Gregory; stepgrandchildren, Carter Schmitz, Austin Schmitz, Tyler Schmitz, Nicholas Schroeder and Kathryn Schroeder; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins, and an uncle. She is also survived by her best friend, Michelle Nicholson; and by her dog, Bear. 

Friends and family can gather from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, May 20, at Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 Front St., Milford, and again at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 21, with services officiated by Pastor Nicole Kessler at noon. Teresa will be cremated, and her ashes along with her husband David will be buried together at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution in Teresa’s name to the nearest animal shelter. 

Online condolences may be offered to the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.