"Jan, with kind thoughts for you at this time... sincerely."
In loving memory of
Elizabeth Butler Jepson
July 31, 1917 - December 17, 2003
Elizabeth Butler Jepson, 86, of 900 Garfield Ave., Marquette, died early Wednesday morning at Marquette General Hospital.
Mrs. Jepson, a fiercely independent descendent of pioneers, was born on July 31, 1917 in Hancock to the late Jesse and Ruth (Gibson) Butler.
Betty received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Northern Michigan University and a Masters degree in speech pathology from Western Michigan University.
She taught elementary classes at the John Doelle School in Portage Township and was the first speech pathologist in the Copper Country until moving to Marquette in 1968. Betty then worked for Marquette Public Schools retiring in 1979.
She was a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church in Negaunee, St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Marquette and Trinity Episcopal Church in Houghton; a member emeritus of the Marquette Study Club, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Trillium Chapter #304 of Houghton, Delta Kappa Gamma- Delta Chapter, a professional society for outstanding teachers. Betty was also a member of the Houghton High School Alumni Association as well as national, state and county associations for retired school personnel.
She received the Outstanding Service to Children of the U.P. Award from NMU and Upper Peninsula therapists. She was also Woman of the Year given by BPO in 1979-80.
Survivors include two sons, Noel K. (Judith) Jepson of Cedarburg, WI and Jan C. (Kathy) Jepson of Westland, MI; two grandchildren, David A. (Amy) Jepson of Milwaukee, WI and Wendy (Christian Brannstrom) Jepson of College Station, TX; one great grandson, Nicolas Brannstrom; one sister, Nathalie B. (Willard) Tschantz of Brillion, WI; one brother, F. Gibson (Bernadine) Butler of East Lansing; also several nieces, nephews, other friends and relatives and a large extended family of adopted sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 7 p.m. at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Marquette with the Rev. Virginia Peacock officiating. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton. A time of fellowship will follow the service in the Great Room of the church.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider a memorial in Bettys name to either of her churches or to the Bay Cliff Health Camp, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Tributes
"I am so sorry to hear of Betty's passing. I think fondly of Betty's group pasty-making partys every time I eat one. Her family will be in our prayers."
"Noel and family. Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mother. Bob Marks"
"Hello, my name is Nancy Butler Larson, I was a cousin of betty but allways called her aunty Betty. I have many special memories of aunty Betty from my childhood, I remember going to her house when her mom aunt ruth was alive and on special ocasions they would bring out the old tin toys and wind them up for us to watch, it was such fun! Aunty Betty was my sponser when I was confirmed and she is also my son Mikaels godmother. I will miss her dearly and can only imagine the sadness you must feel in your hearts. She was a remarkable woman and will allways have a special place in my heart. With Love Nancy"
"Mrs. Jepson was my speech therapist at Houghton Central School throughout all my grade school years, and even into junior high. I was born with a clef palate, and had a severe speech impediment. No one notices today. This is due in large part to Mrs. Jepson's caring manner, and her persistent drive and dedication to help me succeed. She was a wonderful person."
"To the family of Betty Jepson. Betty was a very good friend to our family. My mother worked with Betty in the Marquette Schools. Betty was also a very good friend to my father and to Bay Cliff. I received a call from Betty last January when my father died. We had a very nice talk. She sounded great and we were able to recall many stores from days gone by. I wish to send my sincere condolences to your families. Betty Jepson has done more for the children of the Upper Pennsula(and beyond) than many will ever know. But there are many people like the Vargo family who will never forget. gary Vargo"