Betty Mae (Mattix) Dietsch

Betty Mae (Mattix) Dietsch, 97 passed February 8, 2026 at Primrose Retirement Community of Marion. She was born August 29, 1928 to Merle and Bessie (Darst) Mattix on a farm in Morrow County, Ohio. She graduated from Cardington High School in May 1946. On June 22, 1946, she married George C. Dietsch (Aug. 10, 1920 – Feb. 10, 2013). They had four children, all of whom survive: Neil (Arielle) of Hendersonville NC, Jeanne (William Kennedy) of Peterborough NH, Terrence (Mary) of Van Wert OH, and Scott of Cincinnati, OH. Six grandchildren also survive: Jeffrey, Jennifer, Eva, Ethan, Zoe, and Ian. Betty was preceded in death by younger siblings, Jean (Mattix) Hinton, Kenneth Mattix, and Larry Mattix. Brother Ron Mattix survives.

Betty took an early interest in reading in a household with few books. She was an avid learner who applied herself. A classmate gave her the nickname “Madame Curie,” which Betty embraced as a compliment. In 1970 Betty graduated from Ohio State University summa cum laude. For four years she taught at Mt. Gilead High School. In 1975 she earned a master’s degree. That year she published several poems in The Cornfield Review and other periodicals. For twenty years she taught at Marion Technical College where she wrote curricula for speech, grammar, and composition courses. In 1985 her first rhetoric Writing for Results was published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. In 1998 her second college rhetoric Reasoning and Writing Well, was published by Mayfield. McGraw-Hill published RWW up through a fifth edition. Most of her royalties were used to fund various charities and student scholarships. Betty was a dedicated Christian who enjoyed working with children and helping students learn. She taught Sunday School, served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, youth fellowship leader. Later she became a mentor for the Marion Boys and Girls Club. She was a member of Toastmasters International for 15 years, First Presbyterian Church for 46 years, and more recently, Peace Community Church. Betty was able to live in her house past age 97 with the help of great neighbors and household help who became great friends and offered support. Her youngest, recently retired son helped much during her last 6 months.

The First Presbyterian Church in Marion will host visitation at 9:30 a.m. and a service at 10:30 on Tuesday, February 24. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity, Marion, Ohio.

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