Betty Lou (Stemple) Flinner

Betty Flinner died October 7th at the age of 102. Born in Akron, she graduated with honors from the former South H.S. She worked various jobs including manual elevator operator at Children's Hospital, but the one she was most proud of was serving as a 'Rosie the Riveter' at Goodyear Aerospace during WWII. Climbing up on the planes to work demanded the girls wear slacks, which had to be specially made, as the stores did not sell pants for ladies back then. Betty's name and comments are a part of the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front, National Historical Park in Sacramento, California. Betty then worked at Seiberling Tire and Rubber Co. in Barberton where she prepared and cut rubber for the production of tires. It was here that she met her husband, Al Flinner, and together they began 'flipping' houses before it became a popular term. Her green thumb earned her numerous awards from the city of Akron for her landscaping at their Firestone Park home. Betty had a servant's heart, caring for numerous family members and volunteering at the former KentRidge at Golden Pond assisted living memory unit.


She is preceded by her parents, Edward and Bessie Stemple, 7 brothers and sisters and her husband, Al. She is survived by her daughter Genel Nichols (Mike) and granddaughter Lindsay Paige (Ted). Special thanks to the exceptional staff of Greenview Inn Special Care and the amazing Rita and Lonnetta from Traditions Health.


Per Betty's wishes, a private family committal will take place at Western Reserve National Cemetery.