Betsy Tinsman Dustman

Betsy Dustman, 93, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on May 29, 2021. Betsy lived a vibrant life, had unbounded energy, and brought joy to everyone around her. She was the center of a family she adored, and was deeply involved in the Indianapolis community.

Betsy was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 7, 1928 to Elizabeth Scanlan and R. Hovey Tinsman. She graduated from St. Katherine’s School in Davenport, IA in 1945, and Pine Manor College in 1947. Betsy owned and ran the Green Lake County Reporter in the late 1950’s in Green Lake, WI. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Butler University in 1968 and a Master’s Degree in Education in 1973 from Butler to begin her long career as an educator. Betsy served The Orchard School in Indianapolis for more than 50 years, where she started as a fourth grade teacher in 1968 and subsequently handled fundraising, admissions, building projects and rose to be Assistant Head Master, and remained active on the Board of Governors until she passed. She received the Sagamore of Wabash Award in 1987 from Governor Orr and a Key to Indianapolis from Mayor Hudnut for her contributions to the community.

Betsy approached life with a voracious curiosity. She traveled to dozens of countries on a quest to learn about other cultures and art, and enjoy a glass of wine with the people she loved. Nothing delighted her more than doing something “different.” Betsy was irrepressibly active, famous for a tireless regimen of walking, kayaking, Pilates, and cycling (with her trademark orange flag). Her dinner parties and Christmas cards were legendary.

Betsy and her late husband Jack were strong advocates for Goodwill Industries and Goodwill’s mission to empower people to improve their own lives. Betsy was a passionate supporter of Newfields and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, where she frequently strolled the grounds to admire the newest bloom or latest exhibit. She was particularly delighted to support Newfields’ Winter Lights program, which introduced so many people to this special place. She loved gardening, and was a long term member of The Garden Club of Indianapolis. She was a member of Meridian Hills Country Club.

Betsy’s deepest passion was her family. She travelled constantly to be with her children and grandchildren; was the star of every wedding, graduation, and holiday; and gathered the family every summer in Green Lake, WI for non-stop days of kayaking, biking, and family meals. She was married to Jack Dustman for 27 years until his passing in 2006. She leaves behind a beloved and tight-knit family: Mark Francis; Kent Francis family including Kathy Francis, Christopher Francis, Johnathon and Liz Francis; Tod Francis family including Bonnie Matlock, Taylor and Brian Francis; Laurie Myers family including Gary Myers, Katherine Myers and Johnny Lippincott; Tom Mercer family including Judy Mercer, Tom and Mary Mercer and Ben Mercer; her brother W. Scott Tinsman and his wife Barbara, and her sister-in-law Maggie Tinsman. Betsy had four great grandchildren who she adored. She was predeceased by her brother R. Hovey Tinsman and step-daughter Jan Mercer.

A celebration of life for Betsy will begin at 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 10th at Newfields. Immediately following services, all are welcome to join Betsy’s family for a continued time of fellowship and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, Newfields or The Orchard School; all organizations to which she was deeply devoted.