Dear Readers, I’m afraid I must pause my adoption and reunion story today. Noblesville lost one of its greatest residents a week ago. Betty Gerrard, known to many as Betsy Birdwhistle, passed away at the age of 101 on Dec. 30, 2022.
I’m not certain I can adequately express what her friendship meant to me, but I’m going to try in this little column.
I’ve lived in Noblesville since 1998 and had often heard about Betty. Amazingly, we first met on a front porch during the Noblesville Preservation Alliance Home Tour in the fall of 2011. The reason that is amazing is that she lived on the other end of my block, and I never knew it!
Betty was dressed in her Conner Prairie costume that morning. I said hello to her, and she replied, “Amy Shankland! I’ve been wanting to meet you.” Our friendship began that very day.
I discovered that we had so much in common. We both loved tea – in fact, Betty had what I lovingly called “A Tower of Tea” in her kitchen. We also loved to read, be outside whenever possible, and enjoy a good conversation. Finally, we loved God with all our hearts and worked on growing our faith, sometimes together.
I wrote and shared an essay about her in 2015 when she turned 94. I thought it would be fitting to share it with you today.
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A smile that lights up your day. Sparkling blue eyes. Hugs that warm the soul. These are traits of my adopted grandmother, Betty. At 94, she says she is full of years, but not old. She acts more like 64. Though I’m sure she has aches and pains, I never hear Betty complain.
Betty and her brother grew up in the Great Depression, but they were always provided for. Her words and actions always show that God is number one in her life. She was devoted to her husband Jimmy, who served in World War II and passed away in 2004, and raised a son and daughter with a firm, loving hand.
Betty has lived and traveled all around the country and enjoyed spreading happiness to everyone she met. Many folks here remember her 42 years of working as an interpreter at Conner Prairie Living History Museum, a place she adores. Thousands of Conner Prairie’s visitors were touched by her warm, loving presence.
People are drawn to Betty’s kindness and radiant spirit. Time flies by whenever we converse. I enjoy our “sleepovers” where she says we “do our hair and talk about boys.”
If you ask Betty how she is, she replies, “I’m rich and good lookin’!” She doesn’t mean rich in the money sense, however. Betty is rich with what is important in life – God, family, and friends. To me, a life well-lived is one that brings joy to others. Betty is my inspiration for how to do just that.
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Rest in Peace, my sweet friend. I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven!
Photo provided