Betty L. Zehr
Obituary
URBANA, Ill. — Betty L. Zehr, 81, passed away on Monday
(Feb. 27, 2012) at her home in Urbana, Ill., as a result of complications from
Alzheimer’s type dementia.
She was born on April 29, 1930, the daughter of John S. and
Fannie Birky, Foosland, Ill.
Betty was a very nurturing individual, and her life was a
model for her children, her grandchildren and all who knew her. In addition to
a lifetime of dedication to her family and church, she was a gracious and
gifted hostess who planned and supervised many events during the years when her
husband was at the University of Illinois and, later, president of Bethel
College in North Newton.
In earlier years, she was a regular volunteer at Ten
Thousand Villages, a non-profit outlet for providing income for the poor from around
the world. She hosted and entertained international medical students during
their visiting clerkship rotations at the University of Illinois, providing
them a home away from home during their studies.
After retirement, she and her husband traveled to many parts
of the world, frequently to India, where their youngest son and his family were
engaged in agricultural research and development.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. John E. Zehr
of Urbana; sons, the Rev. Terrence D. Zehr (Cheryl Troyer) of Elkhart, Ind.,
and Dr. Randall L. Zehr (Cathy Klepack) of Columbus, Ind.; daughter, Rhonda S.
Gibson (Charles Gibson) of Champaign; and daughter-in-law, Dr. Usha B. Zehr of
Jalna (MS) India. She also is survived
by a granddaughter, Emily Gibson of Champaign; and five grandsons, Brian and
Benjamin Zehr of Jalna, India, David and Justin Zehr of Elkhart, Ind., and
Jonathan Gibson of Champaign. A brother, Wayne Birky, and two sisters, Arneitta
Birkey and Geneva Good, also survive.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Brent E. Zehr of
Jalna (MS), India.
A private cremation service will be at Renner-Wikoff Chapel
and Crematory for family and close friends.
Visitation for friends wishing to greet the Zehr family will
be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road in
Urbana. Pastor Janet Rasmussen will lead a celebration of life memorial service
at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield Ave. in
Urbana.
In lieu of flowers, the following may be considered for
Betty L. Zehr memorials: the Student Scholarship Fund at Bethel College, the
local branch of the Alzheimer’s Association, monetary donations to the food
pantry fund at First Mennonite Church or any other charitable organization the
donor may choose.
If desired, these may be directed to either the
Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802, or to First
Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield, Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.
