Nancy Betcher
Nancy Betcher, 74, of Rochester passed away at 2 p.m. June 14, 2015, at the Elkhart Hospice House.
On June 24, 1940, Nancy Lou was born in Chicago a cherished daughter of Fred and Loretta Moderow Randall. Growing up she shared her childhood with her sister, Shirley. With great pride she graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1957.
Nancy and Gordon L. Betcher were married on Aug. 8, 1959, in Chicago. Sadly, Gordon passed away on Sept. 20, 2011. Their union of 52 years produced two sons: David and Dan. The family tree grew over the years with the addition of eight wonderful grandchildren.
Moving to the north shore of Lake Manitou in 1992, Nancy and Gordon were passionate about the solitude, serenity and the charisma offered by our small town in the country. Together they created a piece of heaven south of Rochester working the ranch, creating nature’s sanctuary for their family and special friends to enjoy. Not far off was another family treasure, an alluring farm, peaceful and simplistic. Nancy and Gordon took great pride in maintaining and improving the land that allowed them to embrace nature while cherishing the country life. Her forte’ was managing the mowing, granting her the time to unwind.
To relax Nancy enjoyed the tranquility of still fishing, the sparkling waters of Lake Manitou. Armed with her fiberglass pole and fluorescent bobber, from the boat or the pier in front of her home, Nancy would tantalize the blue gills, bass and crappie. She loved the wildlife that embraced the shoreline. Each evening after dinner it was her ritual to sit on the seawall, feeding the ducks, carp and turtles. Her timing impeccable, as her friends awaited her arrival.
As the matriarch of the Betcher family Grandma Nancy was proud to oversee three generations. From her kitchen command post she enjoyed preparing a feast for her family to enjoy at the holidays and special celebrations. She looked forward to visits and phone calls from her grandchildren. Of utmost importance was finding the perfect gift for each of her treasured family. A part of her daily routine was phoning her sister in California. Nancy adored her two sons and was especially proud of the men they have become. Her dedication and devotion to Gordon continued beyond his Earthly days their love lasted forever.
Left to cherish Nancy’s memory are her two sons: David Betcher and wife Lisa, Naperville, Ill., and Dan Betcher, Rochester; eight grandchildren: Jennifer Betcher, Daniel Betcher, Katie Betcher, Nicole Betcher, D.J. Vizza, Nicholas Vizza, Kristina Vizza and Tyler Vizza; and a sister: Shirley Krischsieper and husband Hank of Ridgecrest, Calif.
A celebration of the life of Mrs. Nancy Lou Betcher will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Rev. Bruce Russell officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Fulton Cemetery, Fulton. Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Cancer Association through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, 715 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975, envelopes are available at the funeral home. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to Nancy’s family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.