obituaries

Elizabeth Burrus-Meece

Roodhouse |

Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Burrus-Meece, 86, died at 10:30 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2014 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.

She was born in Buffalo, New York on June 6, 1927, the oldest child born to Karl & Helen (Sullivan) Jenks.Her father, Karl, was a civil engineer and a professor of philosophy, so as a young girl Betsy lived and attended schools in several different states.  She graduated from East Alton-Wood River Community High School.She married Wilmer Roy Burrus, soon after his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corp., on March 2, 1947 in Wood River.  The two of them shared moved to Roodhouse in 1959, and purchased a drug store there in Jan. 1960.  They continued to own and operate Burrus Drug Store there for 25 years before selling the business to their son & daughter in law.  Roy passed away on Dec. 24, 1998 after 51 years of marriage, and Betsy continued to work at the drug store until her retirement.  She later married Russell Meece and he preceded her in death on Feb. 7, 2005.Betsy was very active in her community and was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter BU, serving as their President from 1972-1974, a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church in White Hall, was a volunteer with the North Greene Elementary, and particularly loved the "Book Buddy" program.  She served on the boards of the Roodhouse Public Library and the Fernwood Cemetery, but truly loved her family and friends, especially her grandchildren,and enjoyed every opportunity attending their many activities and graduations.Surviving are a daughter & son in law, Susan & John Guntren of Eldred; a son & daughter in law, Charles & Beth Burrus of Roodhouse; seven grandchildren; a brother, William Sherer of Springfield.In addition to both husbands, she was preceded in death by her mother & stepfather, Helen & William Sherer; her father & stepmother,Karl & Mil Jenks; and a brother, Charles Jenks.Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m., Sunday until time of funeral services at 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in White Hall.  Rev. Hans Poetschner will officiate.She will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Roodhouse.Memorials may be given to the Roodhouse Public Library, First Presbyterian Church in White Hall, or to Cottey College in Nevada, Mo.Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of the arrangements.


Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home

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