Elizabeth Meyer

Elizabeth (Betty) Anne Meyer, age 92, died peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2026, at The Arbors of Delray Beach Assisted Living in Florida.

Born November 13, 1933, in Fort Jennings, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Wink) Meyer.

Betty Meyer’s early career took her to the skies as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines out of Miami, Florida. At that time, personality, looks, confidence and customer service skills were requirements to be a stewardess, and she fit the bill to a T. She enjoyed the camaraderie and travel, however, after a year she felt compelled to leave the airlines and return to Ohio for family reasons. For the next year she worked as a secretary at Westinghouse in Lima, after which she was offered a similar position in Los Angeles with Westinghouse, so she transferred to California.

In time, she became intrigued with the idea of working in Washington DC and ultimately found herself moving back towards the East again.

In Washington, she landed a position as Personal Administrative Assistant to Dr. John Adams, a prominent physicist and rocket engineer. She managed all aspects of his professional and personal life, work and schedules…this position may well have been what prepared her for what was to come, as she excelled in her role.

In 1970 she was becoming more interested in exploring jobs in the political arena on Capitol Hill. She asked for position openings with a Republican and was directed to the office of Senator Bob Dole of Kansas for an interview. The rest, as they say, is history. Betty and the Senator connected from the very first meeting and thus began a working relationship and personal friendship that would span the next 30 years and beyond. In 1971, Senator Dole was named Chairman of the Republican National Committee and, supporting this powerful position, her visibility and responsibilities grew. She soon became a recognizable name on The Hill. She started as Dole’s Personal Secretary and was eventually elevated to Chief Executive Assistant - the first woman on Capitol Hill to hold that title and position. During her tenure, she was interviewed by the Washingtonian Magazine and the cover story named her Washington’s Gatekeeper. Her fierce nature, loyalty, diligence, work ethic and sense of humor made her an indispensable spoke in the wheel that ran Washington. When she retired from Capitol Hill, Washington threw a retirement party for her that would rival that of any senior member of Congress. Senators and past presidents turned out to wish her well and thank her for her many years of extraordinary service.

Working for the prominent Republican Senator gave her a front-row seat to many historic events, including being part of the inner circle of Senator Dole’s presidential campaign in 1996. Her days were long and busy and she thrived on the pressure. She enjoyed several overseas trips with the Senator and his team. One of the most memorable trips was to the Eastern Block and Europe for The SALT Talks. A very special highlight of the trip was a visit to the Vatican, where their group had a private audience with Pope John Paul ll. As a Catholic, she deeply cherished the opportunity to meet the head of the Catholic Church

Following Senator Dole’s retirement after 21 years on Capitol Hill, Betty also stepped back from Washington politics to pursue real estate. In 1999, however, she returned to work for Dole in his Capitol Hill law office, starting part-time before going full-time while continuing real estate on the side. Once again she was burning the candle at both ends, enjoying and excelling in both roles.

In 2004, Betty decided to move back to Lima, Ohio to be close to her sister Clara and brother-in-law, John LaRotonda. Betty had become like a second mom to Clara and John’s seven children over the years, having spent every holiday and special occasion with the family and later traveling with Clara and John to visit their children all over the country and abroad. She was never known as Elizabeth Meyer to family friends…she was always known as Aunt Betty.

As was her nature, Betty became involved in activities in Lima, specifically the Lima Symphony Orchestra, where she was named President of Friends of the Symphony, working on fundraisers, special events and membership drives. She was also a long time member of St Charles Catholic Church.

Following the passing of Clara and John, Betty moved to her home in the Villages in Central, Fl. for several years. She was eventually moved to Delray Beach, Fl. into an assisted living community where she was near to her niece Kathy, who managed her care and affairs for her. During her time in assisted living, Betty remained the belle of the ball and was cherished by those around her.

She was preceded in death by her brothers; Lawrence Meyer, Gerald Meyer, Charles Meyer, Robert Meyer and Philip Meyer and her sisters; Joan Lieb and Clara LaRotonda.

A mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 pm, Monday, July 20, 2026 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Lima, Ohio. Father Steve Blum will conduct the service.

Her ashes will rest at the Columbarium at Gethsemani Cemetery, in Lima, Ohio.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 3pm at Milano Cafe, Lima, Ohio.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St Charles Catholic Church or The Lima Symphony Orchestra.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com

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