Obituary of Elinor Louise Bettis

Elinor Louise Bettis, 97, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge.

Born in Muncie, Indiana, Elinor was the daughter of Byron Lockhart and Gladys Woodhall, and step-daughter of Vera Lockhart.  She attended Purdue University and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1949.   

Elinor married Loyd Malcom Bettis in 1948 and was a home economics teacher in New Jersey and Connecticut schools before the couple moved to Florham Park and began raising their three children.  Her passions included sewing, gardening, reading and music.  She sang in the church choir and with “The Florhamaires”, a local chorale group that included her closest friends. 

After Elinor’s husband passed in 1973, she moved to Maine for a number of years where she made many friends and learned the art of rug hooking.  She participated in numerous church activities and took daily walks enjoying the beauty of the state.  After returning to New Jersey in 1993, she often spent vacations with family and friends at her cottage on the Maine coast. 

Elinor was an accomplished piano player.  In her 80’s she was a member of a group that played works arranged for four players on two pianos at nursing homes throughout Hunterdon County.  She continued to play at Fellowship Village, where she resided since December 2021, to the delight of her fellow residents.

Elinor is survived by her two daughters, Kathe Lynn Bettis and Ann Louise Radomski, her son-in-law Glen Radomski and her sister Joan Williams. She was predeceased by her husband, Loyd Malcom Bettis and son, Alan Loyd Bettis.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, located at 40 East Church Street, Washington NJ 07882, on Tuesday, November 4^th at 11:00AM. Arrangements are under the care of Martin Funeral Home, Clinton NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Washington or the charity of your choice.