Compassionate, witty, determined and devoted are four words that describe Elizabeth Louetta “Betty Lou” Royer, or “Mema” as she was known to her family. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 95 on January 21, 2021 at Willow Valley Retirement Community where she resided since 2007. Betty, the daughter of Samuel Sloan Ferguson and Sara Work, was born in Lancaster, PA in 1925.
Devoted: She was the wife of Wilbur G. Royer who preceded her in death in 2006. They were married for 59 years and traveled the entire continental United States by car together during their years in retirement. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for most of her life, volunteering her time in various ways. A proud 1943 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School, Betty Lou attended reunions as recently as 2019.
Compassionate: Betty retired from United Way of Lancaster County in 1990 after 16 years, having worked at Lancaster Day Care Center, Masonic Village Children’s Home earlier in her life. She always felt especially drawn to assisting those less fortunate or in need of help.
Determined and Witty: Betty had a strong unwavering love of family, church, the Democratic Party, and the City of Lancaster. She remained healthy, opinionated, humorous and content to the end. She was known for her sayings like “dressed like Esther’s pet horse” and “stubborn as Jake Wade’s bull”, which amused her family to no end!
Surviving family includes her son David of Lancaster, married to Ann (Eby), one grandchild, Corinne, married to Jon Greskiewicz and two great grandchildren, Noah and Cali, who all gratefully thank the Willow Valley staff for their loving care, especially in recent years where she lived in the memory support unit of The Glen.
Due to the ongoing need to socially distance, a private burial will be held at the Memorial Gardens at First Presbyterian Church. A memorial celebration of Betty Lou’s life will be held at the church as soon as it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to United Way of Lancaster County at 1910 Harrington Dr., Lancaster PA 17601.
Wanda Leed
David, Ann, Corrine and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a beautiful tribute to Betty Lou. We will always remember her kindness and faithfulness to my mom. Rest in peace dear cousin. Enos and Wanda Leed
Mary Gross
Family, I worked with your Mom at United Way when I was in Lancaster in the mid-80s. I have been fortunate enough to be part of the United Way reunion group that meets every spring, or at least did until the Covid! I live in California and your mom and dad visited me here in California years ago as well. They were a matched set – loved them both. I’ve never known anyone quite like the unique Betty Lou. We need many more Betty’s in our lives. I will miss not seeing her when I’m next able to return to PA for the UW reunion. RIP Miss Betty (Mary Gross)
Kathy Horne
Ah, Betty Lou, how you will be missed! Our 12 years together at United Way are a treasured memory (how could I forget your famous adage, “There’s givers…and there’s takers!”?). A dwindling group of us former staffers got together annually, and Betty joined us as recently as 2018. She was truly an original, and left her imprint on many a heart.
Heartfelt solace wished for David and family. Her obit was truly a beautiful tribute to the rare person she was.
Danny & Nancy Whittle
Dave and Ann we were saddened for you both and for your Family when you told us about your Mother’s passing last week. We will be thinking of you all in the coming days. Its such a shame that the world is now in such a state that she couldn’t have the send-off she deserves with surely hundreds of friends, colleagues and family waving her bye.
We love you both and hope we can gather agail by late summer of fall.
Danny & Nancy
Jeff LeFevre
Dave, Ann and family,
Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies in the passing of Betty Lou. Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time of loss and trust that the love and fond memories of the person your Mother was can be a healing path for you all.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Jeff & Stephanie