Cover photo for Elizabeth Greve's Obituary
Elizabeth Greve Profile Photo
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Greve

d. July 19, 2015

Elizabeth "Betty" Norton Greve was born on December 24th, 1916. She always remembered Santa placing her under the Christmas tree, just so, to be found by her family in the morning. Betty was the daughter of Clifford and Irene (Dearie) Norton, and the sister of Jane Norton Rampe (husband John F. Rampe) and Donald Norton (wife Carol).



Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Betty spent her childhood growing up in Cleveland Heights and Russell Township. A keen observer as a young person, Betty immersed herself in her writing, winning contests and prizes as early as high school. She pursued her creative interests into college, attending Flora Stone Mather College for Women in Cleveland. She graduated in 1939 with a BA in English and went on to teach in the Cleveland area for a few years. When her brother, Don, enlisted with the Army Air Corps, as a Lt. Colonel and bombardier on the B24 "Touch of Texas," Betty took his place with their father at the family photography studio, Clifford Norton Studio.



This started a 50 year career as a professional photographer at one of the premier photography studios in Cleveland. Betty was sought-after as a photographer for her verve and charm and enthusiasm. In 1984, Betty, a wedding photographer, married Ralph Greve, a wedding florist and the proprietor of Greve's Flowers in Cleveland Heights. They spent the next two decades traveling the world together and spending time with family until Ralph's death in 2002.



Betty was the best and greatest of Aunts and the most fun person to know and love. She gave all of her joy and excitement for life to those around her and celebrated her family every day. She is survived by the children of her sister, Jane Rampe: John N. Rampe, Elizabeth Edmonds, and Martha Whitbeck; and the children of her brother, Don Norton: Cliff Norton, Lisa Norton, and Jodie Sawyer. In-laws Laura W. Rampe, Hal Edmonds, Rick Whitbeck (deceased), Elinore Evans Rampe, Audrey Norton, and Tom Sawyer. Grand-nieces and nephews John W. Rampe, Jason Rampe (and wife Sally), Erin Rampe Bores (and husband Chris), Scott Edmonds, Barrett Edmonds, Jake Edmonds, Lynne Whitbeck, Kristin Whitbeck, Rae Norton, Rebecca (Sawyer) Targe, Esther (Sawyer) Okoli, Johanna Sawyer, and Hannah Sawyer. Great-Grand-nieces and nephews John S. Rampe, Rivers Rampe, Roxanna Rampe, and Everly Bores. Betty is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Charpie Norton, of Chicago, IL. Betty is also survived by Ralph Greve's children John Greve (Kathy) and Gretchen Greve.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women at Case Western Reserve University. The Flora Stone Mather Center is a safe space that honors the diverse experiences and aspirations of all women and inspires women to be leaders. Donations in Betty's name may be made online at www.case.edu/provost/centerforwomen/about/support.html or by sending a check to Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, 248 Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU, Cleveland OH 44106-7175.



Donations may also be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, for their unparalleled end-of-life care at 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.



FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH 44120 ON FRIDAY, JULY 31ST FROM 5 TO 7 PM.




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