[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 20 (Thursday, February 5, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E167-E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING JOSEPHINE ``JOSIE'' BETRAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 5, 2015

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
life of Josephine ``Josie'' Betras who passed away peacefully on 
Sunday, February 1, in the presence of her family at the Saint 
Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, Ohio. Josie was born on January 
20, 1926 to her loving parents John and Ida Zidian. As a lifelong 
resident of the Mahoning Valley, Josie attended East High School, and 
shortly after her graduation she worked alongside her father at the 
family's business, the John Zidian Grocery Store.
   In 1951, Josie married her husband, Joseph Betras. The two were 
married for 48 wonderful years and as a devoted wife she supported and 
encouraged him to pursue his political interest. With her help Joseph 
built a successful law practice, served as a Mahoning County Court 
Judge, and a Boardman Township Trustee. Aside from being a dedicated 
wife Josie believed in the importance of being civically engaged. As a 
result she became an active member of the Mahoning County Bar 
Auxiliary, the Lebanese Syrian Club, and the Mahoning County Democratic 
Party's Central Committee. She also volunteered for the Mahoning County 
Board of Elections, Saint Marons Church, and Saint Marks Ladies Society 
in Liberty, Ohio.
   Josie and Joseph committed their lives to their family and were the 
proud parents of two sons, Daryl and David. Her children, 
grandchildren, and loved ones were her favorite topic of conversation 
and her greatest source of pride and joy. Josie was a matriarch in our 
community who delighted in entertaining guests with her glorious 
Lebanese feasts and I will forever cherish the times we have shared 
over the years.
   Preceded in death by her husband Joseph; parents John and Ida; 
brothers John, Joseph, and Charles; and her sister Freda, Josie's warm 
and sweet spirit will continue to live on through the many hearts and 
families she has touched. Josie is survived by her sons: Daryl and 
David; her brother Ron; her three grandchildren Joseph, Rosie, and 
Alexander; and a

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number of nieces and nephews. Our community is a much better place to 
call home because of Josie's timeless memory and she will be deeply 
missed.

                          ____________________