Betty M. Kalbfell 1930-2025
SALEM – Betty Marie Kalbfell, 95, was called to her heavenly home, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Betty was born Feb. 28, 1930, in Salem, to Howard and Elsie Davis. She was a 1948 graduate of Salem High School.
In June 1948, Betty married William “Bill” Kalbfell, and together they had 10 children.
A truly devoted wife and mother, Betty still found ways to be a blessing outside her family as well. She was a chairperson for the Mothers March against Birth Defects (later March of Dimes) all through the 1970s. She contributed countless hours volunteering at many charitable organizations, including the Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and more. She was very proud to volunteer as a driver and office administrator for Action Information Direction (AID) for over 40 years. Politically active, she was a poll worker, then presiding judge, working elections from the early 1970s through the 2020s. She was a lifelong member of the Grange (Perry, then Unity).
Later in life, Betty felt called to continue to be a blessing to others by becoming a certified nurse assistant, graduating from the University of Akron in 1988. She worked at Hutton’s Nursing in Salem for several years before transitioning to private duty.
Betty leaves to treasure her memory, daughters, Marie (Frank) Kuzma, Tina Kalbfell, Jessica (Don) Mercandino; and sons, Jack (Cindy) Kalbfell, Ed (Debbie) Kalbfell, Joe Kalbfell, Ralph Kalbfell; as well as 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence Davis; an infant daughter; sons, David and Frank Kalbfell; grandson, Frank Kuzma; and granddaughters, Kim Kuzma and Brandy Kalbfell.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem.
A funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the funeral home.
Betty will be laid to rest following the service in Hope Cemetery Association.
If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To view Betty’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
(special notice)