Betty Jean (Rovnak) Marino

Struthers - Betty Jean Marino, 70, of Boardman, formerly of Struthers, passed away due to respiratory failure the morning of Friday, January 20, 2017. She passed peacefully at Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House, where she was surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born October 11, 1946 in Youngstown, a daughter of George and Rose Mary (Bonamase) Rovnak. Betty graduated from Ursuline High School and attended beauty school. In 1967, she married James Marino of Struthers, where they resided until 2011. Betty enjoyed her role as a homemaker, hairdresser, and was a loving wife and wonderful mother to their daughter Shellie.

Betty was special in how giving and welcoming she was to others. There was never a stranger in Betty's home, which was always spotless (she loved to clean!). Everyone was greeted with open arms, which was typically followed with an offering of something to eat. Betty would make certain everyone who entered her home felt comfortable and found it difficult to resist the opportunity for a competitive card or board game. But regardless of who you were, she always took the time to talk and listen.

Betty had a special gift for finding ways of helping others. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors or a charitable cause, she was always quick to offer any help she could. No problem was too big, no task was beneath her. She assumed the role of sister and second mom to many beyond her own family. Her nurturing, caring nature was a true gift to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Despite rarely leaving her home, her loss is being felt by many- not just locally, but in several states across the country and even overseas.

Betty leaves her husband, James A. Marino; daughter, Shellie Marino of Atlanta, GA; three sisters, Helen Walley of Youngstown, Ann (Duke) DiPietro and Veronica Zetts, all of Poland; two brothers, George Rovnak of Poland and Richard Rovnak of Struthers.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her sisters, Martha Prosser and Rosemarie Rovnak.

Per Betty's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services.

Betty's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Nicholas Proia and the ICU staff at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman for the professionalism and compassion they provided her and their family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Betty's family requests monetary donations be made in Betty's name to Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.