Obituary of A. Betty Hill

A. Betty Hill 1931-2016 Betty “A.Betty” Hill was a woman whose life revolved around her faith, her family, and her friends. Born in Buffalo NY on December 16, 1931, she was the daughter of Alice Esther (Noxel) and Herman Berkhoudt, who was from Utrecht, Holland. She was a proud graduate of South Park High School in 1949, and subsequently worked for L.L. Berger & Co. in their business offices. Betty married the love of her life, William John Hill (“Bill”), on June 27, 1953, and they lived for a short time in Aurora CO and Buffalo NY, before moving in 1959 to their home on Roswell Parkway, in Eden, NY where they lived for 47 years. Betty was grounded in her faith, being a member of the Methodist Church for 70+ years. After moving to Eden, she and Bill joined the Eden United Methodist Church where they have remained active members all their life. Betty was involved in ministries both local and global—and she truly embraced every minute of her volunteer work. Betty loved music and singing in church choirs, and was a sought-after soloist. She coordinated countless church dinners and fundraisers, served as both Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary, was the past President of the Eden United Methodist Women, was the chairperson of the 180th Anniversary celebration, a member of the Finance, Stewardship, and Memorial Fund committees, was a graduate of their “Disciple Class”, and a member of the New life Circle. She was honored by her Congregation numerous times for her tireless work, and always had time and a listening ear for someone in need. Betty was quick to lean upon her faith in any situation. Her relationship with God was genuine and honest. She learned and loved her Bible, and applied this knowledge to her every day life. It was her faith and her belief that there would always be a sunny day ahead, no matter what the circumstance. “This too, shall pass” was a favorite saying. She was also active in the Western New York DDSO, where she tirelessly advocated for the disabled throughout her life. She coordinated a bowling league in Eden for a number of years for those who were differently-abled, and loved spending time with these “special people”. The Eden Corn Festival Committee recognized her in 2005 for her unselfish and faithful devotion as event coordinator with the annual “Super Day for the Disabled”, which she organized for over 30 years. Her compassion to others and the stranger in need was an inspiration to witness. Betty enjoyed her volunteer work with the Girls Scouts of America, with roles of both leader and Service Unit Coordinator of the Western Hills Unit. She enjoyed marching in the annual Eden Memorial Day and Corn Festival parades with the scouts, and often coordinated the annual Girl Scout cookie sales. Betty was also an active member of the Pharmacist’s Association of Western NY (PAWNY), and to the role of pharmacy. Her husband, Bill, owned and operated Eden Pharmacy where she enjoyed helping there whenever she could, and inter-acting with the Eden community. They both enjoyed countless “adventures” in their travels around the country to various pharmacy conventions with wonderful friends, and she often opened these conventions by singing our National Anthem. The end of her life was spent at Absolut Health Care in Eden, NY, where she found an extended “family” of wonderful caregivers. She was truly blessed by their care. Betty was the wonderful mother of Cynthia A. (Dennis) Elbow, Susan L. (Mark), and John William Hill. She loved her two grandchildren deeply: Lindsay D. Miller (Eric) Klaben, and Adam Hill Miller. Betty had a love of “all things Holland”—from windmills to wooden shoes and everything in-between. Her father’s Utrecht roots ran deep, and she loved staying in touch with relatives there. She and Bill traveled there in 2005, along with various members of the Berkhoudt family. She was the beloved sister of Herman “Bud”, Joan, John “Jack” Berkhoudt and Roberta “Bobbi” Ward, who are all deceased. Besides her husband, children and grandchildren, Betty is survived by seventeen nieces and nephews, sisters in law Doris Berkhoudt and Ethel Berkhoudt, brother in law George Ward, numerous cousins, countless friends, and her Eden United Methodist Church family A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 11AM at the Eden United Methodist Church, 2820 East Church Street Eden NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Eden United Methodist Church Memorial Fund would be graciously welcomed. Arrangements have been made with the Laing Funeral Home Inc. of Eden www.LaingFuneralHome.com