Elsie E. Betsch

Elsie was born on January 23, 1934 in Saskatchewan, Canada. She was the youngest of 14 children. Elsie loved and served the Lord from the age of 13. She went to Briercrest Bible College in Saskatchewan where she met the love of her life and husband of 65 years, Vernon Albert Betsch. Vern and Elsie joined the Navigators ministry following college, and went on to serve as missionaries in both Vietnam and Indonesia. They returned to the states and moved to Birmingham, AL in 1975, where they did evangelism and discipleship well past what is retirement age for many. Elsie dedicated her life to ministry and expanding the Kingdom, and was a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA).

In recent years, Elsie and Vern have lived in Cahaba Ridge Retirement Community where they have enjoyed friends both old and new.

Elsie was a devoted and loving wife, mother of 3, grandmother of 9, and great grandmother of 8. Her family brought her so much joy; she loved them well and continually pointed them to Christ. She created a comfortable and loving home, and loved fixing a big meal for as much of the family as could gather around holidays and family events.

She is survived by her husband Vernon Betsch; her sister, Helen Koehn, of Alberta, Canada; son Randy Betsch of Birmingham, AL, wife Cathy and daughters Diana and Stephanie; son Keith Betsch of Waxhaw, NC, wife Lois and children Robin, Amanda, Brian, and Kevin; and daughter Gwen Howard of Brentwood, TN, husband Ben and children Patrick, Andrew, and Caroline.

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, December 3rd, at 1:00pm in the Chapel of Briarwood Presbyterian Church (2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Betsch family.