Willert, Betty J.

Betty Jane Kress Willert died on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at the age of 93 peacefully in her home. She was the daughter of Dr. Louis C. Kress and Florence Wollschalger Kress. She was born in Buffalo, New York in 1926. She attended Keuka College and earned her Master of Education Degree from the University of Buffalo. After graduating, she was a Biophysics Research Assistant at Roswell Memorial Institute, a Biology and Earth Science teacher, tutor for students, an Administrative Assistant at Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley, and an Administrative Assistant at Pittsford Youth Services, Inc. until her retirement in 2002. She married Richard A. Willert in 1960; they resided in Buffalo, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and Pittsford, NY.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford, joining the church in 1974. She was a willing servant, giving of her time and talents as a Deacon for many years and a term as an Elder. She was also trained as a Stephen Minister. She enjoyed working with the children of the church through the Logos program. She helped to initiate the program and served on the Logos Board as the secretary and treasurer until 2018. She never missed a Logos weekly program. She diligently created engaging placemats, set the tables, organized the kitchen, helped serve in the kitchen, anything that the program needed she was willing to help. Her greatest joy was the many hugs she received as the Logos kids arrived and left, and was able to enjoy the program with own grandchildren, Emmalie and Caleb. She volunteered in the church office, answering the phone, filling in as a substitute, helping with mailings, and many other tasks. Her church family was her second family. The relationships and connections she made were a source of comfort, care, and true friendship for her. When she could no longer attend church, she enjoyed hearing how everyone was doing, what the latest happenings were, and watching the service livestreamed. The congregation of First Presbyterian Church holds a very special place in her heart.

Her service and compassion for others earned her the PTSA Life Membership Award and the recipient of the Certificate of Service from the Town of Pittsford. She was the past President of the Keuka College National Alumni Association and a 50-year plus member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her children: The Rev. Robert A. Willert (Dian), James E. Willert (Debra), Lynne Willert Drake (Scott). Grandchildren: Emmalie G. and Caleb J. Drake, Samantha P. and Brian A. Willert.

A Funeral Service will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford at a later date.