Elizabeth "Betty" Plachta, 74, of Fairmont, formerly of Farmington, passed away Friday, August 3, 2012 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 6, 1938 at No. 9, a daughter of the late Joseph Louis and Edith Orzo Opyoke. Betty was a school teacher at Monongah High School and later North Marion High School, having retired with 34 years in the teaching profession. She valued education and was herself a lifelong learner, evidenced by her love of reading and travelling. She enjoyed sewing and cooking, and always strove to make the holidays a special time for her family. She also loved her pets, and especially her dog "Rufus". She was a graduate of Fairmont State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. Betty was a very spiritual woman who was a long time member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church in Farmington and more recently the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Monongah. She is survived her husband, Joseph Plachta, 2 daughters: Cind Plachta Gillespie and husband Terry William, Chester, VA, and Josie Plachta, Fairmont; 2 grandchildren: Marcus and Jacqueline Gillespie; a sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Ed Froebe, Pittsburgh, PA, and several additional family members including brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. Also a special group of friends from her teaching years whose friendship she cherished. Friends may call at the Hutson Funeral Home in Farmington on Monday from 4-9 p.m. where a Biblical Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in Farmington with Rev. Father Douglas B. Sutton, celebrant. Interment will be in the IOOF Cemetery at Farmington.
Published in the Times West Virginian 08/05/12