Elizabeth "Betsy" Saxer

Elizabeth “Betsy” Saxer, age 52, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Monday, February 23, 2026. She was born Elizabeth Ann Kocsis on November 28, 1973, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Alex and Sarah Kocsis, who would settle in Columbus, Ohio, to raise their family.

Betsy never met a stranger and excelled at everything she set her mind to, whether spiking volleyballs on the court for Centennial High School, or riding for fame and glory as a member of the Ohio University Equestrian Team. Betsy’s love of animals, and horses in particular, propelled her to one of her proudest moments while visiting the Lipica Riding School Stables in what is now Slovenia, where she was invited to ride one of the world-famous Lipizzaner White Stallions.

Betsy’s love of the English language and her passion for truth led her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Ohio University, and subsequently flex her journalistic muscles for Suburban News Publications in Central Ohio. Betsy’s artistic talents ushered her into the field of graphic design, but her love of language eventually led her to pursue a career in education, teaching English to countless Columbus City Schools students over the years.

Betsy found the love of her in Jeffrey Saxer, whom she would marry and give the world the greatest gift they could, their two incredible daughters, Maggie and Kaitlyn. Betsy always said her two children were the best things to ever happen to her. She and Jeff were head over heels with each other until the very end, and showed their two girls the embodiment of love.

Betsy cared for any stray that crossed her doorway, whether two or four-legged. She made everyone feel welcome and never let anyone leave her house without being fed. Her mastery of the English language gave her a way with words and an unmatched wit. She was always quick with a comeback and could always bring a smile to someone’s face. She always had a tune in her head and a song in her heart, as she loved to sing to her children and around the house.

Betsy was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah (Kocsis).

Betsy will be eternally missed by her father Alex (Kocsis), daughters Maggie (Hale) and Kaitlyn, her devoted husband Jeff, brothers Stephen (Kocsis) and Andrew (Kocsis), son-in-law Zach (Hale), and countless loving family members and friends. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, a nurturing mother, and more than anything, a friend until the end and beyond.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221, where a visitation will follow until 5:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Humane at

www.columbushumane.org/give