ELIZABETH A. (MILLER) KOEHLER

Feb. 18, 1921 - July 8, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Beloved mother, wife and grandmother, Elizabeth A. Koehler, 88, went to be with God on July 8, 2009. Born on February 18, 1921, to Sarah Elizabeth and William John Miller, "Betty" was the second oldest of four children. Growing up on Coquillard Drive when it was farmland outside of South Bend, family meant everything to Betty. She often recalled joining her siblings, Lloyd, Bill and Norma, to catch frogs in ponds by the railroad tracks or being chased by one of the family's banty roosters. Later in life, cherished family reunions included bratwurst, apricots from the tree in the yard, throwing crab apples over the house, and playing softball in the McKinley School field.

Betty attended Coquillard School in a class of four children. She was in Rainbow Girls, graduated from Central High School where she played clarinet and bassoon in the band, and attended Elmhurst College.

Having a talent for numbers, Betty worked at the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company and handled accounting for the C.E. Lee Company in South Bend.

In 1948 Betty married Harry F. Koehler and they settled into a home equidistant from both sets of parents.

She was a fabulous mother who enjoyed sewing and cooking, and tackled everything with commitment and love. From her father, Betty learned gardening and filled the backyard with flowers, including incredible peonies. As a member of Zion United Church of Christ, she was active in the Ladies Guild and participated in a range of church and community activities throughout her life. Following Harry's death, Betty moved to California to be near her daughter. Betty possessed a delightful sense of humor, often marked with a twinkle in her eye. Dancing, singing and always smiling, she brought life and love to the care facility where she lived.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Hobbs, son-in-law, William Hobbs, and four grandchildren, Christina, Barton, Benjamin and Julia.

She is greatly missed. A memorial service for Betty will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to Zion United Church of Christ.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 22, 2009.

02/05/2023 EJS