Betty Jean Fox

Betty Jean Fox, loved mother, grandmother and lifelong volunteer passed away peacefully at Hospice Austin's Christopher House on August 12, 2009 after suffering a massive stroke a few days earlier. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas on July 5, 1922 to Dudley and Thyrza Waters, the oldest of three sisters. Betty grew up in the Kansas City area and always considered herself a Kansan even after moving to Austin, Texas in 1993 to be close to her daughter and family. At age 12, Betty learned how to play bridge at a catholic boarding school and enjoy playing the game throughout her life. Her love for books began at an early age and she volunteered/worked at the Johnson County Library for nearly 20 years. Betty became active in volunteering once her children were in school. She served on the Johnson County Library Board, volunteered many years at First Presbyterian Church and her passion for the past several years was the Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. In 1950, Betty married James Mercer a medical student. She had a wide of interests; collecting antiques and postcards, watching tennis and golf, participating in league bowling and hiking, and traveling. Estes Park, Colorado was a favored vacation spot in the summers. Betty and Beth traveled twice to Europe later in her life and celebrated her 75th birthday in Paris. Betty was always known to have a quick wit and enjoyed a good joke. She was an outgoing and strong willed woman who was active and fully engaged in her bridge club, volunteer position and family up to the week before she died. Betty took pride in her natural curly hair and was always well dressed. She was an inspiration to many with her positive attitude and high spirits. Near the end of her life, Betty said often that she had lived a full life; enduring the Great Depression and World War II, raising her family, watching grandchildren Amanda and Christopher grow up to be healthy and happy, seeing Beth successful in career and marriage to Al and still being able to drive, play bridge, travel to Estes Park, grocery shop and work at Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. Betty is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Miller and husband Alan of Austin, Texas; Janet Bobbitt of Independence, Missouri; grandchildren Amanda and Christopher Miller of Austin, Texas, Joseph Bobbitt and James Bobbitt of Kansas City, Missouri; sister, Pat Augustin of Cincinnati, Ohio; stepchildren, Debbie Booth, Liz Cameron Fox, John Fox and George Fox; special pets, Copper her beloved miniature long haired dachshund and Pepsi her parakeet – who never ceased to make her smile when trilling, "I am Betty's bird, I am a pretty bird." She is preceded in death by her son Scott Mercer; husband Roy Fox and sister Marilyn Harbeck. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church, 8001 Mesa Dr., Austin, TX 78731, with Pastor Sam Riccobene and Elliot Smith. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, 4407 Bee Cave Road, Suite 520 Austin, TX 78746. Contributions will be matched by the Betty Fox Trust.