On June 7, 2025 a “wonderful” mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend went to be with the Lord. Betty Kist, age 88, of Ashtabula, Ohio has passed. She was born June 26, 1936 in Tucker County, West Virginia. the daughter of Parker and Ethel (Keller) Poling.
Betty was a long time resident of Girard, Ohio, moving to Ashtabula in 1963, and since then Ashtabula has never been the same. She loved her community. She loved it so much she was involved in everything from clubs to organizations like Women’s Club, Homesafe, the Arts Center, Women’s Service League and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, just to name a few. One of her biggest achievements was being elected to Ashtabula City Council as Ward 3 Councilwoman and then serving as vice-president. Another big part of her life was her church, Bethany Lutheran. She couldn’t wait to get dressed up on Sunday morning and get to church to praise her Lord. She was part of Bethany Church Council for many years, not only as a member, but serving as president or vice-president. She was loyal to her church.
She is survived by her four sons: John Kist Jr. of Giard, Ohio, Timothy (Lisa) Kist of Springville, Tennessee, Daniel (Suzanne) Kist of Ashtabula, Ohio, and James (Tara) Kist of Perry, Ohio. She is also survived by the loves of her life, her four granddaughters: Emily, Abby, Sydney, and Briana.
Preceding her in death were her husband, John; parents; sister, Dorothy Simmons; and brother, Franklin Poling.
Funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Visitation was 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Entombment followed in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Kingsville, Ohio.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Potti Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1329 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. www.pottifuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church.
“She walked in pure loveliness.”
