By Nicole Hamilton
Enquirer staff writer

WESTWOOD - Elizabeth C. "Betty" Disken spent most of her time helping others. After befriending a disabled person in 1980, she worked to raise money for neurological research.

She started programs at her church, and made time for everyone in her large family.

"She was definitely devoted to us," said her niece, Kirsten Whelen of Bright. "There are literally hundreds of us, and she was always there to help. She was so giving and loving."

Mrs. Disken died of cancer Aug. 2 at Mercy-Franciscan Hospice in Westwood. The longtime Westwood resident was 91.

Raised in Riverside, Mrs. Disken graduated from Western Hills High School and then entered the Women's Army Corps to serve in World War II.

Stationed in Tampa, Fla., she rose to the rank of first sergeant before being honorably discharged after the war.

After returning, she married Thomas J. Disken on May 1, 1948.

For 22 years, Mrs. Disken worked as an office manager for Strothman Express.

Her husband died in 1980, and that year she became active with the United Nations Year of the Disabled Persons campaign. She campaigned for more funding for Huntington's disease, stroke and spinal cord injuries.

A member of St. Teresa of Avila Church in Price Hill, she coordinated a Project Amos Awareness service and was the founder of its bereavement program.

Besides her niece, survivors include four sisters, Dorothy Hauck of Delhi Township, Loretta Kirchner of Covedale, Esther Davis of Price Hill and Marlene Grothaus of Covedale; a brother, Donald Kaeser of Green Township; and other nieces and nephews.

The service has been held. Burial was in St. Joseph (Old) Cemetery in Price Hill.

Memorials can be made to Right to Life, 1802 W. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, 45239.

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E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com