Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Berry, age 77, of Medina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 16, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on July 7, 1947, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Thayne and Earlyne Bodenmiller, Betsy graduated from Midpark High School before earning her B.S. in Elementary Education from Cedarville College. She began her teaching career at Applewood Elementary in Brunswick, where she taught both 5th and 3rd grades.

While attending college, Betsy met Jim, her future husband. They were married by her grandfather, Pastor E.V. Willetts, on July 25, 1970, at Berea Baptist Church in Berea, Ohio. Thirty days after their wedding, Jim was deployed to Vietnam. Upon his return, the couple settled in Medina, where Betsy taught Title 1 Math and Reading at Garfield Elementary for five years. Afterward, she devoted herself to raising their three children, Marc, Troy, and Tamara. Betsy later returned to teaching at Hobby Horse Preschool, where she inspired young minds for 23 years.

Betsy's greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished every moment spent together, creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren. Whether it was festive Christmas gatherings, Easter Egg Hunts, more recently go-karting, or zip-lining, she always found ways to make family time special.

An avid learner and lover of knowledge, Betsy enjoyed reading, crafting, playing the piano, and traveling. Her thirst for learning was evident in her passion for history and documentaries, and she never missed an opportunity to watch a good detective show or mystery. Her family lovingly teased her about knowing how to "commit the perfect crime."  Betsy's love for music led her to give piano lessons, a passion she shared with hundreds of students over the course of 47 years.

Deeply devoted to her faith, Betsy was an active member of Youngs Corners Fellowship Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, Children's Church, and directed the youth choir. She also played the piano, sang in the adult choir, and served in the missions ministry. Betsy was known for her creativity, often decorating for bridal and baby showers and church banquets.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Thayne and Earlyne Bodenmiller, her in-laws, Boyd and Jackie Berry, and her infant son, Michael Scott.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, James Berry; her children, Marc (Danee') Berry, Troy (Mindy) Berry, and Tamara (David) Cifani; her beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Austin, and Wyatt Berry, and Jamison and Marlowe Cifani. She also leaves behind her siblings, Thayne (Joy) Bodenmiller, Bonny (Jim) Larsen, Wendy Bodenmiller, Cindy (Kevin) Barry, Tim (Donna) Bodenmiller, Merry (Kevin) Mayer, Penny (Rob) Whitty, and Ted (Kim) Bodenmiller, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Visitation will be held at Waite Funeral Homes, Medina Chapel, 765 N. Court St., Medina, OH 44256, on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Young Corners Fellowship Baptist Church. Contributions will support Betsy's sister, Penny Whitty's, missionary fund in Ghana, West Africa.

Online condolences may be left at www.waitefuneralhome.com.