Betty J. Jersild

Betty Jersild, 89, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2023. She is the daughter of Francis and Emma Vivian and was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Mildred (Bud) Saxe and Helen (James) Slatter, and two children shortly following their birth. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Ralph A. Jersild, Jr; children Diane Claghorn (Michael) Miller of Fort Worth, TX and Paul S. Jersild of Muncie, IN; grandchildren Joshua D. Jersild of Bothell, WA, Jordan P. (Teja) Jersild of Columbus, OH, Kristine Claghorn (Mark) Harrison of Los Angeles, CA, and Matthew K. Claghorn of Fort Worth, TX; and her brother Richard F. Vivian of Madison, WI.

On graduation from high school in 1951, Betty was employed as the Customer Service Representative for the Bell Telephone Co. until her marriage in 1953.

During her husband’s tour of active duty, she worked for an Auditor in Lawton, OK.

While he pursued graduate studies for his Ph.D. at University of Illinois, she worked for the University Press and earned her Ph.T. degree (Putting Hubby Through).

They relocated to Indianapolis with their young family in 1955 where she was employed part time at the IU Medical Center Hospital Gift Shop for several years.

Betty enjoyed reading historical novels, baking (pie crusts was a specialty) and family camping. Caring for her family was most important to her. She was very active in many activities of her children and grandchildren, being especially involved in the children’s (Diane, Paul and Joshua) schools from elementary through high school. She was a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, volunteering in various activities, and sang in the church choir for many years. Betty also volunteered many hours with the Indiana University Cheer Guild and with the Lutheran Child & Family Services’ Sharing Place program. Most special to her in her later years was the very close group of friends she made following her move to Whitestown.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 AM with a funeral service to follow. Both will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 526 E 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Foundation for Lutheran Family and Child Services, 1525 N. Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219.