Obituary for Betsy Anderson Mary Beth “Betsy” Anderson passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at home from heart failure. She was 77. Betsy was born on November 26, 1941 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Elizabeth “Betty” Golosinec Reinholz and Victor Reinholz.
She was the second of three children. Betsy attended Merrill Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and Beloit Memorial High School, where she graduated in 1960. Betsy then moved to Appleton and attended Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music, where she graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Music degree.
She specialized in string instruments, particularly the viola, but also played the violin, piano, and had a beautiful singing voice. Following college, Betsy taught music in the Manitowoc, Lake Geneva, and Beloit Turner school districts, and performed in symphony orchestras. She would give private music lessons for several decades, and mentored many aspiring musicians.
Betsy met Nathan Anderson in 1962 and they were married on August 10, 1968. After having her first child, Betsy became certified in early childhood education and worked at the Children’s Creative Center and ABC Playhouse Child Care in Beloit. She was also active in the Beloit Civic Theater, where her mother directed scores of plays.
Betsy was a deeply spiritual person, and recommitted herself to living in the literal traditions of Jesus Christ after a Cursillo retreat in 1985. Throughout her life, she remained a sustaining member of Atonement Lutheran Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married, and served in a variety of roles there, most notably as a member of Atonement’s Worship and Music Committee. Betsy was perhaps best known for her boundless optimism and generosity, and lived her life in service to others.
In addition to shepherding her mother and aunt through their own end-of-life journeys, she cared for her husband Nate who struggled with illness for several years, agreed to become the primary caregiver to her two grandchildren, had an open-door policy for neighborhood latchkey kids, and provided shelter and love to a passel of stray and rescued dogs and cats. She was also passionate about traveling and made several forays around the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Betsy is survived by her son, John Anderson of Madison, WI; daughter, Susan Anderson of Madison, WI; two grandchildren, Ezekiel and Eli Wheaton of Beloit, WI; brother, John Reinholz of Holmes Beach, FL; half-brother, Don Reinholz of Windsor, CO; half-brother, David Reinholz of Walla Walla, WA; and surrogate daughter, Gabrielle Ames of Broadhead, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Nate, of 48 years; and brother, William Reinholz of Reading, PA. Betsy found strength and solace in many deep and abiding relationships she built throughout her life, including but not limited to John and Les Blumerich, Beloit; Ann Gamble, Brampton, England; Pastor Tina Ray, Marshfield; Andrea Egerstaffer, Beloit; Laurie Brown, Beloit; David Ramsey, Denver, CO; and Robert and Cora Scholz, Northfield, MN. A memorial service for Betsy will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 901 Harrison Avenue, Beloit, WI.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers or other gifts of remembrance, Betsy wished that anyone who wants to honor her life make a donation to Atonement Lutheran Church, the Elizabeth “Betty” Reinholz Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the Stateline Community Foundation, or the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin.
And, if you can, share a bright smile with a stranger and cultivate empathy and compassion. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. daleymurphywisch.com Upcoming Events Visitation JAN 12.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Atonement Lutheran Church 901 Harrison Avenue Beloit, WI, US Memorial service JAN 12.
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