Betty Jean Grech

Betty Jean Grech of Port Jervis, N.Y., died on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at home, surrounded by her family. She was 90.
Daughter of Harry O. Spears and Lucy Smith Spears, she was born on Nov. 5, 1926, in Dingmans Ferry, Pa.
She married Alexander Grech Jr. on Jan. 27, 1950, with whom she celebrated 66 years of marriage.
She was an avid golfer and a long-time member of the Port Jervis Country Club. She was the treasurer of the local chapter of the cub scouts for over 40 years. She was a dedicated Republican, a former state committee woman, and a former chair of the Orange County Republican Committee. She was recently recognized for over 50 years of service with the Orange County Republican Committee. She attended numerous presidential inaugurations and wrote multiple speeches for Ben Gilman.
Survivors include her husband; her children, Kathleen Pepper and Martin Mann of Port Jervis, Stephanie Lovato of Harwinton, Conn., Alexander Grech III and his wife, Phyllis, of Saint Johnsbury, Vt., and Bridget Grech-Mehedin of Port Jervis; her grandchildren, Heather and Daniel Lane, Rob Pepper, Ryan Pepper, Tracey and Jonathan Nelson, Jeffrey Lovato and his fiancee, Charleen Simmons, Jason Lovato and Sarah Mia Lucia, Jeremy Lovato, Elizabeth Grech, Julianne Grech, Alexander Grech IV, Christopher Mehedin and Nicholas Mehedin; great-grandchildren, Owen, Max, Jake, Mackenzie, Erin, Miranda and Lexi; great-great granddaughter, Laila; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother, Harry “Chet” Spears.
Visitation was held Jan. 22 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Port Jervis. Funeral services were held Jan. 23 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home with the Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. Interment was private.