Betty Emrich

BETTY RUTH EMRICH

Tipton

Betty Ruth Emrich, 94, of Tipton, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021, while under the care of Mercy Iowa City. She was an eye donor for the Iowa Donor Network. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 9, at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton. Funeral services will be held at

10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at First United Church of Christ in Tipton with a short visitation one hour prior, starting at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Woodbridge Cemetery, Buchannan. Memorial funds have been created for Camp Courageous, First United Church of Christ and Tipton's Cedar County Senior Dining (since she was on the board of directors and delivered Meals on Wheels for years). Cards and memorials may be sent to Fry Funeral Home, P.O. Box 30, Tipton, IA 52772, in care of the Betty Emrich family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Betty was born Jan. 20, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the daughter of Lawrence and Sarah "Gladys" (Hertz) Ferguson. Betty graduated from high school in Mechanicsville, went to Coe College for two years and completed her B.A. at the U of I. She then returned to Iowa to complete two masters degrees, one in guidance counselor and health and the other in psychology. Betty was an educator in Tipton (K-12) and coached boys' and girls' basketball, swimming and gymnastics. She was certified for K-14.

Betty was very active in her church, serving as deacon, elder, choir member and the endowment chair. She was past president of the Tri Sigmas, Tipton School Foundation, Iowa Partners of the America's, Friendship Force and the Mary Jean Emrich Effort Scholarship Committee. She was a life member of the National Education Association, the Iowa State Education Association, the State, District and National American Association of Health for PE and Recreation and Dance, the Retired B.P.W. Lunch Group, the Retired Elementary Teachers Lunch Group and the Mechanicsville Alumni Association, and she served in the Community Choir for Special Events.

Betty was united in marriage to Melvin Douglas Emrich on Feb. 15, 1945, at Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church. Doug passed April 27, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Jody Lynn Emrich on Feb. 2, 2016. Betty was a very vibrant, personable, well-educated, respected and admired woman who cared for others. She was a resident of Tipton for 70 years.

Betty is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Lynn Emrich. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Gladys; and sister, Mae Ellen Nassif (2013).