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Bettie Jane Rhodes Massfeller, 82, passed away peacefully Saturday April 11, 2009 at Halifax Medical Center following a several month period of failing health. She was proud to be a native of Daytona Beach and a Mainland High School graduate, Class of '44. She received her Registered Nurses degree from Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio and returned to Daytona Beach where she married another native, Max Massfeller, in 1948. She spent the bulk of her forty-seven year long nursing career at Halifax Medical Center (Halifax Health) working in all areas of care giving including Emergency Room, General Nursing, and the last fifteen years doing what she loved, Oncology Nursing. She began her oncology nursing career in the main hospital, with Dr. Alvin Smith, and then moved to the Herbert D. Kerman Regional Oncology Center when it opened. She was the epitome of the "old school" of nursing care, where the well-being of the patient was first and foremost. She was recognized as Employee of the Year by Halifax in 1990, for her years of dedication to the patients of Halifax Health and their families. She lived for her patients and her family with little regard for her own wants or needs. Bettie was a huge sports enthusiast, loving the Florida Gators since the days of Walter "Tiger" Mayberry. At the age of 10, "Tiger" Mayberry was Bettie's first true love. She and her father followed the ups and downs of the Daytona Beach Islanders in the old Florida State League since the mid-thirties. She looked forward to spring training each year and spending afternoons with the Atlanta Braves at the Disney Sports Complex. She was predeceased by her parents, E. H. and Martha Tutherow Rhodes, and her sister, Mona Rhodes Fitzgerald. She is survived by her six children, daughter, Julie Reames and her husband, Bert; sons, Richard Massfeller, Stephen "Beaver" Massfeller and his fiancée, Katie Marriott and son, Logan; daughter, Martha Massfeller; son, Max "Gus" Massfeller, and his wife, Shannon, all residing in the local area; and daughter, Mona Netterfield and her husband, Rob of Seattle, WA. In addition she is survived by five grandchildren, Ryan Massfeller and his wife, Michelle, of Broomfield, CO; Roosevelt Harris, Chandler, Bailey and Alexander Massfeller, all of Ormond Beach. Also surviving are cousins, Eugene D. Rhodes of Roswell, GA and Larry Gillen of Acworth, GA; a nephew, Tom Fitzgerald; and a niece, Betty Ruger. She also leaves behind hordes of loving friends who will cherish her always. A memorial celebration of Bettie's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Halifax Health Foundation (specifically earmarked for the Oncology Center), Post Office Box 2830, Daytona Beach, FL 32115-2830, Central Baptist Church, 142 Fairview Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 or the charity of one's choice. |
