Betsy Theodore

1984-2026

COLUMBIANA — Betsy Theodore, 41, of Columbiana, passed peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at her home surrounded by her caring family after a courageous battle with breast cancer. While her time was cut far too short, Betsy lived with a ferocity and intentionality that ensured she packed a lifetime of memories into the years she was gifted.

She was born on Aug. 3, 1984, in Port Jervis, N.Y., daughter of John Theodore and Jacki Ewing.

To Betsy, her greatest achievement wasn’t found in her work or a book — it was her daughter, Vivian (13). Vivian was the sun around which Betsy’s world orbited. Whether they were navigating daily life or exploring new horizons, Betsy’s deepest love and brightest pride were always reserved for her daughter.

A woman of rare versatility, Betsy was the proud owner of Theodore Cleaning Crew, where she brought order and brilliance to the grit of construction sites. Yet her hands were as skilled with a pen as they were with a business plan. A twice-published author and the founder of Bravely Beautiful Books, she dedicated her life to sharing stories that mattered, proving that one can be both tough and deeply poetic.

Alongside her partner and best friend, Bryan, Betsy lived a life of Amor Fati — embracing every twist of fate with an open heart. Together, they trekked over four continents, wandered the streets of Europe, experienced the lively atmosphere of South America, and soaked in the warmth of the Caribbean. In her early career days, she even spent time working in China. They were more than partners; they were co-adventurers who looked forward to growing old together, always planning the next journey before the current one had even ended.

Betsy is survived by her life partner, Bryan Blakeman of Columbiana; daughter, Vivian Lynn Clark; mother, Jacki Ewing; stepmother, Melinda “Mia” Theodore; four sisters, Jena (Bo) James, Charity (Mario) Bejarano, Nicole (Luke) Eury and Kayla Thompson Brothers; four brothers, Eric Theodore, Ryan Theodore, Matthew (Hillary) Altomare and Eric Eaton; two stepdaughters, Lauren (Daniel) Spitznagel and Lexi Blakeman and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Theodore, grandparents June and Wayne Ewing, Emily and Earl Theodore, and her uncles Dave, Tom, and Mike Theodore

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

2/4/26