Elizabeth Knapp Herbert

HERBERT, Elizabeth (Knapp). A beautiful and most gracious woman, Elizabeth K. Herbert, known as Becky to all her friends, passed away on September 6, 2016 in Petoskey, Michigan. Becky was born on November 2, 1925 in Flint, Michigan to Stephen and Isabel Knapp. She was their only child. Her family moved numerous times throughout her childhood and teenage years. As a result, Becky cherished her large family and the friendships she made in life. Becky moved with her parents to Dayton in 1941 and graduated from Oakwood High School in 1943. Becky attended Sweet Briar College and graduated in 1947 with a degree in sociology. After graduation, she returned to Dayton and worked as a foster child placement officer for the Shawen Acres Orphanage. In 1949, she married John W. Herbert and they began their family of five children. Throughout John's lifelong career with the Mead Corporation, Becky was his supportive partner and gracious hostess. After John's retirement, they enjoyed traveling together and with close friends. They cherished their summer cottage on Walloon Lake, Michigan. Becky loved sports: field hockey, platform tennis, and especially golf. But her outstanding qualities, which endeared her to so many, were her constant thoughtfulness, kindness, and grace. Together, John and Becky were longtime members at Moraine Country Club and Walloon Lake Country Club. Becky was an active participant in the Dayton Junior League and the Garden Club of Dayton. She supported numerous charities, particularly those aiding children and wildlife. Becky's lifelong endeavor, and her greatest accomplishment, was building a strong and close knit family. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 61 years, John Herbert. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Kathy and Jamie Priest, Judy and Steve Herbert, Lisa and Tim Kelch, Nancy and David Herbert, and Laurie and Dave Voigt. Also by her grandchildren: Stephen Priest, Mark Priest, Molly and Matt Baldwin, Ellen Herbert, Sarah Herbert, Matt Herbert, Maggie Kelch, Kate Kelch, Megan Voigt and Kacey Voigt. She is also survived by her cousins, Norman and Dick Daily, and her sister-in-law, Mary Hornbeck. Becky was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. A memorial service will be held there on Friday, September 16, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson Street, Dayton, OH 45402, the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, Virginia 20190, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or please consider a community blood donation. TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.come.