"Betty and Emery were the Youth leaders when I was a teenager at Columbus Road Baptist Church. When asked who influenced my life as a Christian Betty and Emery immediately come to mind. They were a blessing to me and I will forever be grateful to them for their constant love and prayers for me. My faith, nurtured by them, is strong and I am forever grateful. May God bless you in this time of sorrow and that you have peace."
In loving memory of
Bettie Kaufmann
February 22, 2019
Bettie Kaufmann, age 92, of Quincy, died Thursday, February 21, 2019, in her home.
Bettie was born December 15, 1926 in Quincy, Illinois the daughter of Harry H. and Faye Elliott Meyer. Her early years were spent in rural Adams County enjoying farm life with her mother and father, doted on by both, as an only child. She learned the art of home making, love of nature and gardening, and appreciation of education from her beloved mother, whom she was graced with until the tender age of 10 when Faye passed away. Bettie was then cared for by her compassionate, gentle father and his family during the difficult depression era through her high school years.
Bettie graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1944, where she met her husband to be, Emery. Following high school, Bettie attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO for two years, where she thoroughly enjoyed the new social life she discovered and made life long friends.
Six months after Emery's return from the Navy, the young couple was married at Grace Methodist Church, May 19, 1947. She and Emery spent the earlier years of their married life farming and starting their family in the Lima area before moving to Meredosia, IL, where Emery pastored the Methodist Church for two years. The young family then settled in Quincy, where they remained rooted for a lifetime.
Bettie's life passion for education guided her from teaching in a one-room school house in rural Adams County when she was only 18, to teaching positions at Lincoln School, Columbus Road Baptist School and finally the principal at Calvary Baptist Academy.
Bettie and Emery had 21 years of the delightful endeavor of owning and operating Quincy's first bed and breakfast at 1641 Hampshire Street. During this phase of their lives, they enjoyed wonderful trips in the States, including an Alaskan cruise, as well as traveling abroad to the British Isles and Israel.
A vivid thread interwoven throughout Bettie's life was her passion for Christ and sharing him with others. This love prompted her to begin a women's jail ministry at the Adam's County Jail, which ultimately culminated with the founding of the Well House in Quincy, serving women in transition from incarceration to rejuvenated lives.
In addition to her husband, Bettie was preceded in death by her parents.
Bettie is survived by five children, Jan F. Kaufmann-Dearing of Palmyra, MO, Keith Kaufmann of Quincy, Jean (Scott) Meyer of Hannibal, MO, June (Tom) Harmon of Springfield, IL, Lori Tuttle of Madison, WI, 14 grandchildren, Stephen (Amber Martin) Dearing IV, of Palmyra, MO, Adam Jett (Sarah) Dearing, of Mission, KS, Tory Kaufmann, of Quincy, Tyler (Devon) Kaufmann, of Quincy, Gabe (Melissa) Meyer, of Columbia, MO, Ellie Meyer of Chicago, IL, Gus Meyer of Kansas City, MO, Jason (Angi) Harmon, of Springfield, IL, Jennifer (Dan) Sears, of Springfield, IL, Lauren (Ben) Fay, of Southern Pines, NC, Elsie (Ryan) Tuttle of St. Louis, MO, Emma (Cooper) Tuttle, of St. Louis, MO, Clayton Tuttle of Madison, WI, and Peter Tutttle of Madison, WI; and 13 great-grandchildren.
"Happy is the man whose quiver is full" - Emery's paraphrase of a favorite quote to Bettie over the years. And, happy Bettie was with her 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. The lights of her life.
"Have a nice day, Bettie"
Services: 11:00 am Monday, February 25, 2019 at The Crossing (48th and Maine Campus), with Pastor Jim Dennis and Pastor Jeff Nelson officiating.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sunday February 24, 2019 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorials: The Well House or Community Foundation (Well House Fund)
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements
Tributes
"Thinking about Bettie brings many fond memories of attending Ladies Bible studies at the Kaufmann House for many years. She was always the gracious hostess, wonderful teacher, encourager and friend. I was privileged to be able to have a short visit with her when I was in town last September. Bettie has touched the lives of many over the years, including mine."
"Keith, Lori, and family, We met your parents when we sold them their dream home on Old Orchard Road after their retirement from the bed and breakfast. It was always a pleasure visiting with them ever since. What a wonderful and giving lady Quincy has lost but heaven has gained. You have our sincere sympathy."
"May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Lori and family- So sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have such a wonderful friendship with you and your family. The memories of vacationing with you and your parents are forever in my heart! What a great example of Christian living! God Bless you all."
"We add our praise for the wonderful life of Betty Kaufman. It was always a delight to meet Emory and her The mall. We are sorry we do not know you children but we are glad we share the same family tree. We send our condolences and best wishes as you carry on an important legacy."
"Mrs. Kaufmann left an indelible mark on my life. She was the picture of Grace, Love, and Acceptance. She was kind, strong, intelligent, and welcoming. She was my daughter Kristy's kindergarten teacher, and one of my Mom's (Phyllis Kemp) best friends. I've imagined their reunion in Heaven this week; it brought happy tears. Go Rest High on that Mountain, Mrs. Kaufmann. Well done. There will never be another lady like you. I will treasure you always."
"So sorry for your loss. Bettie was a wonderful lady and did so much good in the community. I know you will miss her - just keep all the good memories and she will always be with you. God Bless the family. Sue Foster"
"What an amazing woman, compassionate, kind, full of hospitality, a lover of family, friends and anyone for that matter... Bette Kaufmann was beautiful inside and out, choosing to allow the love of Christ to shine brightly wherever she was... truly an example ... we are so much richer because of her love and influence. ??"
"June , sorry to hear about your mom passing . My deepest sympathy and prayers"
"Mrs. Kaufmann was a wonderful lady. I went to Lincoln School and she always was so nice to everyone. Your family was truly blessed having her.?"
"Remember Emery and Bettie from Calvary Baptist Church."
"Rooted in the things that matter, in conversation she brought a fresh insight and mature wisdom."
"Bettie (and Emery) were such an inspiration and blessing to so many. The love for family runs deep and the legacy of love will continue because of her life well-lived. Her obituary is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing her story of a beautiful and accomplished life. I pray for Comfort and peace to her beautiful family at this time knowing that she and Emery are once again making big plans and doing great things together."
"Bettie was such a wonderful friend to my Mom- Marian Power. A couple of my girlfriends and I spent a night in their Bed and Breakfast years ago. We had so much fun. Betty and Emery were wonderful hosts and served one heck of a breakfast!!"
"Lori and family, I did not know your mother personally but from all the wonderful stories about her, she really was the Lord's marvelous helper on this earth. I am so sorry for your loss but so happy that she has 'Graduated to Glory' and getting her reward. To be walking hand in hand with her precious husband, and united again with her mother and father. Most of all being with her Lord and Saviour. God bless you with His peace and comfort your hearts."
"What a great lady. Betty was a very wise and compassionate woman. I am privileged to have known her!"
"Sharing the 2016 video: "Bettie goes to Jail" about her women's jail ministry. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=-yEP5Y9u3_A"
"June we are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Our prayers are with you and your family. I had the pleasure of working the funeral for your father in 2014. Best wishes to you and Tom. My wife and I are out of town and regret that we cannot be there for the services this time."
"I'm so truly sorry for your lost ? coming your way. She was a beautiful woman inside and out."
"I'm very sorry for your loss. Your Dad's been waiting for her for a long time and now they are together. God Bless you all."
"Mrs. Kaufmann was both my kindergarten teacher and my elementary principal. She loved me when I was unlovable and gave me swats when I earned them. Above all, she believed in me and expected great things from me. She is one of the main reasons that I chose a career in education as well as moved into school administration. Thank you for the impact that you made on an angry little kid who needed stability in his life."
"A truer friend can not be found. I?m grateful for all the stories, songs, and smiles <3 Love to this wonderful family and the legacy that lives on."