Betty Kish passed away September 5, 2018 in Carmel, IN at the age of 94. Born in Morocco, IN, one of five children, she had many memories of growing up in small town northern Indiana. Filled with love, wisdom and wit, Betty displayed a funny sarcasm in her verbal and written words. We all looked forward to listening and/or reading her stories.
Betty was a wife of 68 years to George Kish, mother of five children and grandmother of two. She earned a teaching degree and taught second grade at St. Jude Catholic School for several years. Betty went on to be the secretary of St. Maur’s Seminary for Father Mario Shaw. Most of her working career was spent as an expert proofreader for the Bobbs Merrill Company of Raggedy Ann and Andy fame. After she officially retired, Betty enjoyed traveling with Dad to far-away places with strange-sounding names. She continued her career at home as a freelance proofreader for IDG Books For Dummies and other tomes until the age of 92.
Betty is survived by four of her adult children: Ginny Garrett, Katie Neill, Evelyn Kish Murphy, and Frank Kish; two grandchildren: Margo and Kevin Murphy; son-in-law, Charlie Neill and daughter-in-law, Susan Chacin.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, George Kish; siblings: Evelyn Garrard, Clifton “Bud” Garrard, Ruby Grace Padgitt and Martha Dickey; and daughter, Suzy Kish.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to Friends of Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Brittany says
I wanted to send my love and condolences to the Kish family. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the beautiful resurrection hope that we have for the future. (John 5:28,29) What this can mean for your is the real hope of being reunited with your dear loved one Betty in a beautiful Paradise right here on earth. (Psalm 37:11,29) My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
PAT MOREHOUSE says
Betty’s sister, Martha was my GOOD friend. I met Betty through her.
You and All will miss a WONDERFUL LADY.
Bob and Cari Palma says
All too soon, one of the best friends we’ve ever known is gone.
It was a pleasure working with Betty at Bobbs-Merrill Educational Publishing, developing a friendship that transpired our formal association as colleagues at that company. Betty could always be counted on for a quick, accurate appraisal of our Mother Tongue’s words, their usage, and the punctuation employed when arranging them. What a fine lady and a wonderful, life-long friend. (I think Betty would endorse hyphenating life-long since life modifies long, not friend…or at least I hope she would!)
We regret being out of the state October 6 on a pre-paid tour, for we would dearly love to attend Betty’s Memorial Service. Condolences and best wishes to all. RIP, Betty.
Bob & Cari Palma
Cathie (Torrence) Patton says
To the “Kish Kids”, so sorry for your loss. Having grown up playing with all of you kids, I have such great memories of your mom. I think I spent more time at your house and playing in your yard then I did at my own house. I remember your mom always in the kitchen and sending one of you to your room if you misbehaved. That occurred quite often! It was fun growing up down the street from such a great family. May your mom, dad, and Suzy Rest In Peace with their Savior!
Becky Schaefer says
To Ginny and all, so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. What a neat lady. She always had that sly smile on her face that made you wonder what she would say next. Spent so many fun times at your house, and especially enjoyed her tuna casserole. Peace to all!
Gene Stambaugh Sr says
BettyKish was a wonderful person! My second grade teacher and favorite teacher of all my teachers. I feel that I’m a better person because of her. And just recently she was a friend on Facebook and I could count on her proof reading my post and letting me know if I messed up. I am gonna miss that! I hope she rests in peace and can do some good in heaven. I sure she will be a top rank angel!
Linda Garrard Rock says
Aunt Betty was such a joy. It is nice to know we will see her in heaven, worshiping the Savior we adore.
Phil Armbruster says
Had Mrs Kish as 2nd grade teacher, I think same year my mom started teaching at St Jude. I got to get reacquaited with her when she attended my mother’s funeral 40 yrs later and again on FB a few years back. Always appeared to have a very cheerie disposition and patience in a classroom with about 30 students. So sorry I was unable to attend her Celebration of Life because of a planned trip out of town. We are having a 50th grade school reunion in 2019 and she might have been our last surviving teacher, had held out hope she might be able to attend. Thoughts and prayers for the Kish family, welcome to orphanhood.
Irma Dawson says
I worked with Betty at Bobbs-Merrill for only about 2 years. She made a lasting impression on me. I went to her when I needed info on anything–both personal and business. She always made me laugh. I was sorry to read of her passing. My best wishes to the whole family. One of the things I use quite often that she told me was: “Kids ruin everything!” Ain’t it the truth! Ha. I’ll miss her even though I knew her only for a short time. It was good to know you, Betty.