Obituary: Elizabeth J (Betty) Babbitt

Betty Babbitt passed peacefully on Friday morning, Dec. 7, 2007, in Prescott, Ariz. She was 85. Betty was surrounded by many loved ones and was most certainly in a state of grace.

Betty was born Elizabeth Jane Zoerb to Julia and Raymond Zoerb on July 19, 1922, in Two Rivers, Wis. The youngest of three children, Betty grew up in a Christian home with many German traditions. She fully embraced her mother's philosophy of welcoming family, friends and those in need into their home.

After graduating from Two Rivers High School, Betty attended the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1944. As a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, she was deployed to the European Theater of WWII where she was stationed at a general hospital in Wurzburg during the U.S. occupation of Germany. It is here where she met a dashing young pilot named R.G. (Ted) Babbitt Jr.

When Ted and Betty were discharged from the service, they married in Two Rivers and, after a short stay in Boston where Ted attended business school, moved back to Ted's native Flagstaff, Ariz. Shortly after her marriage, Betty converted to Catholicism.

Ted and Betty took Psalm 128:3 to heart. {Psalm 128:3-4 (NIV): "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home, and look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees! That is the Lord's reward for those who fear him."} They raised nine children in a warm, loving household. Her role as supportive wife and mother was her greatest joy. She loved each of her family members uniquely, individually and fervently.

As if a household of nine children was not active enough, there was rarely a time when there was not some friend, family member or friend of a friend enjoying dinner with the family or staying at the house. In support of Father Wasson's Little Brothers and Sisters orphanage in Mexico, Betty was the host mother to many children who had come to the United States to study or to receive medical services.

Betty was a true and caring friend to many; both longtime companions, as well as endeared new acquaintances. Throughout her lifetime, she enjoyed golf, bowling, bridge, swimming, watching tennis, crafting and travel. As an avid football fan, you could find Betty at any number of venues supporting her Eagles, Lumberjacks, Sundevils or Cardinals. She thrilled at watching her grandchildren in their many sporting events and activities. Betty was just plain fun. She went out of her way to make special occasions special and to make people feel loved and unique. She was always up for trying something new and exciting.

From her beginnings in Two Rivers to her passing in Prescott, Betty was involved in her community and participated in every social event she could. She hosted and supported many fundraising events for a multitude of charities. She most recently gave her time, talent and treasure to San Francisco de Asis Parish, the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and Northern Arizona Hospice.

Betty is survived by her daughters Linda (Jim) Woods, Polly (Alan) Smith, Ann (Bert) Howell, Jane (Mark) Stevens and Martha (Luiz) Chavez; her sons Ted Babbitt III, Eddy (Lauren) Babbitt and Matt (Kelly) Babbitt; 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband R.G. (Ted) Babbitt Jr., sister Pauline Montgomery; brother Raymond Zoerb Jr.; daughter Rosie Howes and infant son William Babbitt. Betty was caring and close to nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family members.

The family wishes to recognize both Prescott Samaritan Village and the Margaret T. Morris Center of Prescott for the outstanding care provided to Betty.

Novel Owens Mortuary, 914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 is coordinating funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Northern Arizona Hospice, 107 East Oak Ave., Suite 102, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 or the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 122, Flagstaff, AZ 86002.

Services will be at Nativity Church, 16 W. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff. The Rosary is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. The Celebration of Life Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. Following graveside services, a gathering of friends and family will ensue at Betty's home, 335 E. David Drive, Flagstaff.

(Information provided by survivors.)