Obituary of Betty J. Baron

Betty Jane Baron, 88, of Lakewood, formerly of 108 Bowen St. in Jamestown, died Friday, December 23, 2016 in WCA Hospital. She was born April 24, 1928 in Jamestown, the daughter of the late John P. and Ruth Olson Ruggles. Betty grew up in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown High School in 1947. While in high school during World War II, she joined the Civil Air Patrol and received her pilot license. She met her future husband, Stanley "Tom" Baron, in 1945 and they were married in August of 1950. In earlier years, Betty was employed by the Marlin Rockwell Corp. She then began work with the Jamestown Police Department where she became the first female police officer in Chautauqua County and going on to earn the rank of detective. She served the department for 21 years, retiring in 1980. Betty was given many awards during her career and started many organizations in the area. During her time as a wife, mother and police officer, she completed a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice/Social Work from Empire College. Betty later worked as a fulltime social worker for Lutheran Social Services until 1988, continuing part time at Lutheran for the next 10 years. Like her mother who was 1939 State Champion, one of Betty's favorite pastimes was bowling. Throughout her life she also enjoyed skiing, roller skating, dancing, playing cards, picnics, hunting and spending time with family and friends. She was active with many civic and social groups including the Vikings and Thule Lodges, Kendall Club and the Jamestown PBA. Survivors include her husband, Tom; two sons: John Baron, and David Baron and his girlfriend, Marsha and her son, Keanu, all of Jamestown; her daughter, Lynda Childs and her husband, Jeff of Brentwood, NH; and two grandchildren: Evan and Allison Childs of Brentwood. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a step-father, William Swanson; and a brother, John Ruggles, Jr. who died in 2011. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 30th in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Daniel S. Rumfelt will officiate. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 29th and for one hour prior to the service Friday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Social Services Foundation, 715 Falconer St. Jamestown, NY 14701.