Mary "Betsy" Elizabeth Bikoff

Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Bikoff passed away peacefully on April 10, 2021, with her husband by her side. She is survived by her husband David, her brother James Bone, cousins Joanne Martindale, Frances Kipling, Michael Beatty, David Bone, Steven Bone, Timothy Bone, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Betsy was born on November 25, 1944 in Glendale, California to James and Margaret Bone. She grew up in San Diego and graduated from Point Loma High School. Betsy attended Indiana University, and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She married the love of her life, David Bikoff, in August 1965, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1966. When David returned from Vietnam, they moved to Indianapolis where he attended Indiana University Law School. Later, she attended the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Philanthropy Leaders.

Betsy dedicated her life to charitable work. She was active in Indianapolis charities, and served on numerous boards including Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, United Way of Central Indiana, Second Helpings, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Mental Health America of Indiana, Humane Society of Indianapolis, and Very Special Arts Indiana. Betsy received many awards over the years including the Hazelett Award for leadership in grantmaking, the Touchstone award from Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, and she was named one of the Influential Women in Indianapolis in 1999.

Betsy also had a business life. She held progressively more senior positions in business and human resources over the years including Walker Research and Rowland Design. As Vice President and Chief Grantmaking officer of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation for over a decade, Betsy advised the Foundation Board on funding strategies and grant proposals until 2015. She then semi-retired and worked as a philanthropic and nonprofit consultant serving Indianapolis agencies including the United Way.

Dave and Betsy were loyal fans of the Indiana University athletic programs, the Indianapolis Colts, and enjoyed attending the Indy 500 over the years. At home she was devoted to her husband David and their cats, and she was an avid reader.

The family and friends will hold a memorial service at Second Presbyterian of Indianapolis, 7700 N. Meridian St., at 11:30 on April 30th, 2021. The service will be available via livestream at (https://www.secondchurch.org/funeral). In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Indiana University Foundation or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel, Indianapolis, Indiana assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.