Betty Lou Genovese

Betty L. (Ruch) Genovese , 72, of Northampton, PA, was called home to heaven on Saturday, October 14, 2023, while being cared for at the Bethlehem South Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Born in Northampton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Frances (Smith) Ruch.  She was a lifelong member and former treasurer of St. John's UCC Howertown, PA.  Betty was a 1969 graduate of Northampton High School.  She was a Customer Service Representative for the former Merchants Bank where she received an award as Teller of the Month;  and then most recently, she was a dispatcher for PPL for 24 years until her retirement in 2016.

She cherished her time with her son, grandchildren, sisters, and family.  She had a passion for food, especially Pennsylvania Dutch food.  She enjoyed cooking and baking and absolutely loved recipes.  Her specialties were the Thanksgiving turkey, the Easter ham, and cinnamon twists.  Betty and her three sisters, known as the 4Bs, wrote a cookbook in 2019 called Ruch The Cook.

Survivors:  Betty will lovingly be remembered by her son, Todd Genovese; grandchildren - Alex, Thomas, Chanaya, and great granddaughter, Adilynn; sisters - Barbara Christman (husband Richard) of Cherryville, PA, Bonnie Herzog of Northampton, PA, and Beatrice Christoff (husband Stanley) of Northampton, PA.  "Aunt Betty" also loved her niece, Lori (husband Scott); nephews - Chad, Brian (companion Erin), David (wife Mandy), and John.  She also loved her great niece, Shelby, and great nephews - Dylan, Blake, Aiden, Landon, and Logan.  Betty is pre-deceased by her brother-in-law, Donald Herzog, and niece, Veronica Fabian.

Funeral arrangements, provided by Schisler Funeral Home, will be held in private at the convenience of the family.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the St. John's UCC Howertown.  The family will greet friends and family from 10-11 a.m.

For those who wish to honor Betty, we humbly request that in her memory you dine out, tell fascinating stories, eat hearty and well, and make unforgettable memories.  In addition, surprise a senior in a restaurant by spending 5 minutes chatting with them, and, if you are capable, pick up their tab and make their day.  Contributions may be made to St. John's UCC Howertown Memorial Fund.