Elizabeth Myers
June 11, 1944 ~ October 23, 2019
Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Myers was born June 11, 1944 in Austin, Texas, the second of five children.
She graduated with honors in 1962 from Spring Branch High School (Houston) where she was active on the yearbook, Math Club, and the Latin Club. She attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas and then finished her degree in elementary education at the University of Texas at Austin from which received as B.S. in the Fall of 1965. Later Betty was awarded M.S.(1983) and Ed.D. (1985) degrees from the University of North Dakota.
She married David B. Myers August 13, 1966, the same year they moved to Austin, Texas where David worked on his PhD at the University and Betty taught at Casis Elementary School, a laboratory school for UT.
In 1972 Betty and David moved to Moorhead, Minnesota where David began teaching philosophy at Moorhead State College (now Minnesota State University Moorhead). Betty taught and supervised student teachers in the Department of Education at Moorhead State College that first year.
After completing graduate studies in school administration. Betty began working for Moorhead Area Public Schools in 1984 as a second-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School. From 1987-2003 she served as principal at Robert Asp, which served fifth- and sixth-grade students. During her tenure at Robert Asp, Betty became a leader and mentor to many teachers and administrators in the district. She was known for her high standards and for having the ability to make every teacher, staff member, student, and parent at the school feel valued. She knew the names of all the students at her school. Betty retired from the district in 2004 after serving her final year as principal of Riverside Elementary, returning to the school where she first began teaching.
Among her many honors and awards: Riverside Teacher of the Year in1985 and Distinguished Service Award from the Art Educators of Minnesota. In 2002 Betty was given the honor of conducting the Moorhead Elementary School Orchestra in Chicago before hundreds of people at the Midwest Regional Music Educators’ Conference. She remembers that experience as one of the highlights of her career. Betty was inducted into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor for Educators in 2016.
Betty will also be remembered for the many cards she wrote, offering words of encouragement to both teachers and staff. Her generosity and sense of humor will be remembered by everyone who worked with her.
Despite the many demands of her work as a principal, Betty made time to serve on community task forces related to juvenile justice and on the boards of Lost and Found Ministry, Cultural Diversity Resources and Temple Beth El (Reform Synagogue).
After retiring from teaching, Betty became a hospice volunteer. Later she converted to Judaism under the direction of Rabbi Janeen Kobrinsky. She was drawn to Judaism for many reasons: its strong emphasis on acts of loving-kindness, the Sabbath understood as a joyous time for rest and renewal, the way it welcomed questions, its invitation to practice gratitude, and the beauty of words of prayer in Hebrew, especially as sung by Rabbi Kobrinsky.
She is survived by her husband, David, her son Aaron, her grandson Christian, and by her brothers: Gary Reimer, David Reimer, and James Reimer.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents—Melvin and Ruth Reimer—and her younger sister, Dorothy Reimer Winkles.
Betty and I were first time parents together in 1972 in Moorhead, MN. It’s a time and space that I’m sure remains special and unforgettable for most parents. However, even at this early time in Betty’s life she herself became a special and unforgettable person for those of us lucky enough to cross her path and call her a friend. Was it her wonderful Texas accent, which she never lost, or her love of family or simply the way she saw the world and made sense of it? I only know that I loved and admired her right from the start. Even though we moved away from the area long ago, I will always carry Betty in my heart as my friend forever.
Dr. Myers was one of a kind. She was one of my administrators for several years and had a wonderful way of finding so many positives while making you want to strive to higher levels of achievement. She set the bar incredibly high and I had incredible respect for her. I will always remember her slight Texan drawl and the laugh that radiated kindness and acceptance. She made a difference for so many. May beautiful memories surround the entire family and give you peace.
We grow up, we move away, but home is Moorhead and Dr. Myers was an amazing part of home. My brother had her in the 80’s as a second grader, she moved to first grade when I was in second, but she always welcomed me with open arms and helped foster my love of school.
Betty was an incredible mentor and giver of joy. Robert Asp was a special place because of her leadership.
Prayers for the Meyer family. I first met Betty when she taught at Growing Tree Preschool. Always a delightful person. Continue to remember all the memories you had with her
Joy Thomas
Dr. (Mrs.) Myers was my first great teacher (2nd grade). Someone who believed in me and encouraged me to set higher goals than I thought I could. I don’t remember a lot from that age but I do remember her shining through. I was lucky to then have her as my Principle at Asp and getting to reconnect. She had a great leadership style and I remember all of the staff thriving while she was there. She also helped with some difficult situations I had. She was such a wonderful person and I know meant a lot too many.
Betty will always be so many things to me. First, she was a friend I could count on. Second, she was a mentor to me while I was attending Concordia College. Third, Betty would talk common sense to me in my life, taking from that great reservoir of integrity, goodness, and love. Finally, Betty was a second mother to me during my late adolescent years from high school through college. You see, I was without my mother—she passed away in 1990. She was a good Woman I could learn from. She continued the teaching my mother Mary started and without ever feeling pushed she continued it with Love and tender-guidance. If I had a question especially during my college years, Betty was always available—I just had to walk around the block and go to supper with Betty and David.
Betty is a type of person most people would really miss—for several reason. The greatest is because she was a good person. She was always doing more for others than herself. I will always Love you Betty Myers the kind soul who treated me as another son in her family.
I love you Betty.
Sweetest woman. She was my principal in 6th grade. She was always so nice. Kind, yet firm. My fondest memory is when I was chewing gum in the hallway. She walked up and said “Are you chewing gum?” “I said, no (of course that was my answer)” she then said “You know there is no gum allowed. Spit it out” She opened her hand, gesturing me to spit it in her hand. I exclaimed “In your hand!?” she said “Yep!, so come on now, give it over” She was so nice about it. Now that I am a mom, I totally get how she was sort of a mom to all of us! Only a mom would tell me to spit my gum out in her hand 😉
I loved reading how she converted to Judaism. Very neat and I admire that. Something I’ve thought of doing.
I am sure she will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace.
I was Christian’s third grade teacher. I never met her, but she took the time to write me a card and mail it to the school telling me how much Christian loved my class. I’ll never forget that. ❤️
Betty Myers as an administrator, a teacher, a coach of educators was one of a kind. She touched so many lives and left each person BETTER for having known and interacted with her. She will be missed.
I have fond memories of Betty from the time I served on the Moorhead School Board in the 1980s. She was an important element in the excellence of Moorhead Schools. I am very sad to learn of her passing. Her value as an educator and example for our children was unmatched.
Very sorry to hear that Miss Betty is gone. One of my favorite memories of her is when she shared her conversion story to my Hebrew school students at TBE.
The first time I met Betty, we collaborated as second grade teachers. She was so articulate, thoughtful, supportive and clearly an advocate for children. The last time I saw Betty, just a couple weeks ago, she greeted me with that fantastic smile and wanted to know how I was. That’s Betty… alway a positive influence, a woman that noticed and gave to others and a humble person that was a beacon of hope and love!
With sincere respect, gratitude & sympathy,
Sharon Nelson
David and Family,
I have many fond memories of Betty from our days at Tri College teaching Principal Leadership class to aspiring principal candidates. Betty had so much to offer the students. Her easy smile, soft voice and quick laugh put everyone at ease. She had so much to share that many times she didn’t get a chance to take a lunch break. The students wanted to hear more from one of the best principal’s I’ve known in my career.
Betty did so much for her students, teachers and staff…she was legendary. I will miss her but have so many fond memories. May she rest in peace.
I didn’t know Betty – but I wish I would have. Her life story told in her obituary as well as the joyful picture tell of a woman invested in building a better tomorrow in addition to finding delight in the present – a rare mix. I send my sympathy for your loss and my gratitude for the good work she did in the Moorhead Area Public Schools, an investment that lives on and on.
Betty will always be an example of a most effective leader and administrator for me. She was principal at Asp Elem. when I first worked with her and was respected and admired universally by all staff and faculty. Cheery, smart, an advocate for you and for everyone else- she had that special something that made you not want to disappoint in any way. What a gift for those of us who were lucky enough to work in her building. She will be missed.
Betty was the favorite person of my wife Dorothy, who was Betty’s younger sister. Dorothy always wanted to consult with Betty before making any decision. We lost both of them too soon.
Betty was my sister in law but she was more like a sister. I loved her so much! I’ve known her since I was in first grade when she started dating my brother! We live in Houston but we saw David and Betty about twice a year.
We talked a lot on the phone in between visits.
She was always so loving, kind and so sweet.
She was an amazing Aunt to my sons and the best sister in law to me and my husband Tommy.
We will miss her very much.
I knew Betty from Robert Asp as a parent at PTAC meetings – very special lady who was dedicated to the students!
My beautiful loving amazing aunt and god mother… You were always so amazingly loving, a beautiful beautiful soul… I learned so very much from you and you will always be in my ❤ I Love You aunt Betty you will be dearly missed. RIP
My heart is so heavy learning about Betty’s death. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Betty was a champion of education and a kind soul who I enjoyed talking to every chance I got. Her memory is indeed a blessing, and my life was richer for knowing her.
David, you are in my thoughts. I know your memories will sustain you as you mourn your love. By the time I had the pleasure of meeting Betty her health was already in decline, but she still went out of her way to welcome me to Fargo and to treat me with kindness. A good person missed by so many.