Elizabeth Betty M. Royer

September 22, 1921 – July 22, 2011

Elizabeth Royer was a pioneer and consummate professional in the field of medical social work, committed to social justice and the welfare of those in special need. She died the morning of July 22 at Saint Expeditus Adult Family Home in the loving arms of her caretakers.

She was born September 22, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated first from Baldwin-Wallace College and then from Case Western Reserve with a Masters of Science in Social Administration (1946). She began her career at the Nebraska Crippled Children’s Service, later at Delaware Crippled Children’s Service. She then moved to Dayton, OH to establish and become the Director of Social Services at Miami Valley Hospital.

In 1966, at age forty five, she married widower Homer L. Royer. She graciously inherited three adult children and their families, Carolyn Kuhlmann of Lubeck, Germany, David B. Royer of Seattle, WA, and Ann Stichweh of Pensacola, FL (now deceased). She was beloved by six grandchildren and six great grandchildren who knew her as “Grandma” or “Great Grandma Betty”.

After Betty and Homer moved to Florida, she continued her hospital social work as Director of Social Services at Largo Medical Center Hospital, worked for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County Florida and as a consultant at Morton Plant Hospital.

Just a few of her community commitments and associations were Child Abuse Task for Clearwater, Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center, Mental Health Association, Spouse Abuse Shelter, Senior Citizen Center, State Board of Ombudsmen for Nursing Home Residents, Clearwater Food Pantry, Soroptimist International, Religious Community Services and the activities of Trotwood, OH Church of the Brethren and the Skycrest Methodist Church of Clearwater, FL.

She was preceded in death by her husband of thirty years; parents, Emily and Tom Godley; and her sister, Jo Godley.

A private family memorial gathering in Seattle and in Ohio will be held. Private inurnment services will be held to commit Betty to her final resting place in the Royer family plot at Mote Cemetery, Monroe Twp., Darke County Ohio.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.