Betty L. Zehr, 81, passed away Monday (February 27, 2012) at her home in Urbana, IL as a result of complications from Alzheimer's type dementia. She was born April 29, 1930, the daughter of John S. and Fannie Birky, Foosland, IL. She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Dr. John E. Zehr of Urbana, sons Rev. Terrence D. Zehr (Cheryl Troyer) Elkhart, Indiana, Dr. Randall L. Zehr (Cathy Klepack) Columbus, Indiana, daughter Rhonda S. Gibson (Charles Gibson), Champaign, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Usha B. Zehr, Jalna (MS), India. She was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Brent E. Zehr, Jalna (MS), India. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Emily Gibson, Champaign, and five grandsons, Brian and Benjamin Zehr, Jalna, India, David and Justin Zehr, Elkhart, Indiana and Jonathan Gibson, Champaign. A brother, Wayne Birky and two sisters Arneitta Birkey and Geneva Good also survive.

Betty was a very nurturing individual and her life was a model for her children, her grandchildren and all who knew her. In addition to a lifetime of dedication to her family and church, she was a gracious and gifted hostess who planned and supervised many events during the years her husband was at the University of Illinois and, later, President of Bethel College, N, Newton, KS. In earlier years she was a regular volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit outlet for providing income for the poor from around the world. She hosted and entertained international medical students during their visiting clerkship rotations at the University of Illinois, providing them a home away from home during their studies. After retirement, she and her husband traveled to many parts of the world, frequently to India where their youngest son and his family were engaged in agricultural research and development.

A private cremation service will be held at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory for family and close friends. Visitation for friends wishing to greet the Zehr family will be held 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Pastor Janet Rasmussen will lead a Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be held 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at First Mennonite Church, 902 West Springfield Ave., Urbana.

In lieu of flowers, the following may be considered for Betty L. Zehr Memorials: the Student Scholarship Fund at Bethel College, the local branch of the Alzheimer's Association, monetary donations to the food pantry fund at First Mennonite Church or any other charitable organization the donor may choose. If desired, these may be directed to either the Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802, or to First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield, Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.