Betty Abi Lenhardt

Betty Abi (McDow) Lenhardt, 90, a resident of Eunice Smith Home died at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2011. The daughter of Ray Hardin and Mildred (Dixon) McDow, she was born February 16, 1921 in Alton. She married Robert Theodore Lenhardt on June 14, 1947. Her husband preceded her in death on February 9, 1985 in Fort Myers, FL. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Lenhardt Bryant of St. Petersburg, FL, her granddaughter, Elizabeth (Carl) Wooten Reschke of Tampa, FL, a nephew, Terry (Becky) Close of Dorsey, a great niece, Heather, a great nephew, Andrew, a cousin Joanne Perkins Lenhardt, her caregiver, Karen Gunter, and many loving friends. She attended Alton public schools, and Shurtleff College graduating with a degree in Music Education in 1942. She was employed as an Admissions Counselor for Shurtleff College and for Western College For Women in Oxford, Ohio. She later was a teacher at Blair Elementary in East Alton and then taught the homebound and hospitalized for the Alton public school district completing 35 years as an educator before retiring. An accomplished musician, Betty served as Choir Director in several Alton churches as well as a soloist. She also appeared as soloist with The Alton Community Concert Association and Muny Band. She was elected a lifetime member of the board of The Greater Alton Concert Association. Betty was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish of Alton where she was a Lay Reader, a member of the St. Francis Guild, attended Bible Study and was active in Leisure Friends. She had the privilege of completing one of the needlepoint canvases that depict scenes of Alton and adorn the kneelers at the Communion Rail. Proud of her heritage, Betty was a 50+ year member of Ninian Edwards Chapter, NSDAR. She served the Chapter, District and State in many offices and as committee chairs. She was elected as the first Honorary Regent of her chapter in 1976. Betty was a longtime member of the Upper Alton Women’s Club where she gave many book reviews and musical programs. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Doris McDow Close. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 10, 2011 at Upper Alton Cemetery. Father David Boase will officiate. Memorial gifts may be given to St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish of Alton Liturgy and Arts Fund. A celebration of life Mass will be held at a later date at St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish. PDF Printable Version

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Betty Abi Lenhardt

February 16, 1921 - November 8, 2011