Betty Lou (Eberhart) Davidson

Friday, September 2, 2022

Sept. 25, 1934 - Aug. 26, 2022

AURORA, Neb. — Betty Lou (Eberhart) Davidson was born to Clarence (Merle) and Minnie Josephine (Reyman) Eberhart on Sept. 25, 1934, near Long Pine, Neb. She passed away at Aurora on Aug. 26, 2022, at the age of 87.

She resided with her parents on the ranch where she was born west of Bassett, Neb. Her career in 4-H began when her parents gave her a calf when she was six years old. She exhibited both livestock and homemaking items at both county and state fairs and took part in demonstrations and speech contests. She won the State Future Homemaker degree when she was a senior in high school. During summers as a teenager, she helped on the ranch putting up hay and teaching Vacation Bible School in several places in the Sandhills.

Betty attended Rock County High School, where she was active in the Future Homemakers of America, National Honor Society and other groups. After graduating as Valedictorian of her class in 1952, she attended the University of Nebraska and lived in Love Memorial Hall for four years. Her activities included Home Economics Education Association, InterVarsity, and an interdenominational Christian youth group. Omicron Nu and Phi Upsilon Omicron Nu were Home Economics scholastic honoraries to which she was elected and was on the honor roll during the four years. She was crowned “Goddess of Agriculture” during her senior year.

After graduation from the University of Nebraska in 1956, she was married to Merwyn Davidson on June 17, 1956, and to this union six children were born. They joined the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Milford, Neb., where she taught home economics one year. While Merwyn attended seminary in Naperville, Ill., she taught home economics and physical education at Lisle, Ill., from 1957-1959.

After Merwyn finished seminary, they lived at Culbertson, Neb., where Merwyn was pastor for two years and then went with their three children, Lila, Wayne and Mark, to Japan in 1962 to serve as missionaries. Betty taught students at the Rural Institute where young Christians from Asia were trained. Carol and Karen were born in Japan. In 1970, the family returned to the USA and moved to Aurora, where Merwyn served the First United Methodist Church. Sharon was born in Aurora. Betty was active as a leader in Cub Scouts, 4-H, and Girl Scouts. She was active in teaching Sunday School, serving as vice president of the United Methodist Women, and member of P.E.O. She owned and operated the New Life Christian bookstore and gift shop from 1985-1989. She also did substitute teaching in the schools in McCook. After moving to Milford in 1989, she continued substitute teaching in the school and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, from 1994-1995. They spent a year in Omaha then they retired to Aurora in 1995.

During retirement, Betty was very active in the United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Bible Studies for teenage girls and women. In the community, she worked in the Aurora Christian Woman’s Club and helped students secure a GED and tutored students. Betty was active with her husband in operating The Cellar Youth Center and the 12th St. Cinema for 12 years. This resulted in several awards for doing volunteer work with children and youth. Along with her husband, Betty received the Chamber of Commerce “Community Service” Award and in 2003, the Governor of Nebraska awarded the title of “Admiral in the Great Navy of Nebraska.” In 2002, they were Grand Marshalls in the A’ror’n Days parade.

This was Betty’s own testimony of her Christian life: “Jesus became my Savior at a Bible School when I was in 4th or 5th grade. I made a total dedication of my life to Christ when I was 15 at Camp Witness, a Bible Camp near my home. I was blessed throughout my life with big and little decisions. There have been times when I have not been faithful in spending time in praying and reading the Bible, but God has always been faithful and helped me, filling my life with peace and joy.” Betty was an exceptionally loving and caring wife and mother. Her personal relationship with Jesus Christ has left a lasting legacy of love and hope. She embodied the character of Christ to all who knew her. She was full of joy, laughter, singing, fun and grace.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Minnie; husband, Merwyn; sister, Doris Sellin; brother-in-law, Duane Sellin; brother-in-law, Jack Bair; sister-in-law, Laurel Eberhart; and brother-in-law, Elbert Marshall.

Those who survive Betty are her six children, Lila (Curt) Wolff of Aurora, Wayne (Beth) of Leesburg, Va., Mark (Cindy) of Leawood, Kan., Carol (Darin) Jones of Modesto, Calif., Karen (Bryan) Bush of Elkhorn, Neb., and Sharon (Corey) Harthoorn of Norfolk, Neb.; grandchildren, Sara (Dane) Sutherland, Sam (Amy) Wolff, Sally (Kevin) Bolis, Heather (Matt) Nemcic, Joel Davidson, Chad (Eric) Davidson, Andrea Davidson, Craig (Liz) Jones, Stacy Jones and Robbie Morrison, Kiersey (Dylan) McHale, Cameron Bush, Kaitlin (Clayton) Malone, Breanna (Josh) Dudley, Caleb (Morgan) Harthoorn and Annika Harthoorn; and great-grandchildren, Elle, Gavin, Ty and Ava Sutherland, Pierson and Paxton Wolff, Jay, Emmet and João Bolis, Olivia and Carter Nemeic, Jasper McHale and Selah and Justus Malone.

She is also survived by her brother, Steve Eberhart; sister, Beryl Bair; sister-in-law, Marolyn Marshall and many nieces and nephews and other family members.

Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora is in charge of the arrangements.